How you think about sin and sinners will protect you from temptation or open the door for seduction.
Psalm 37:1 “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
There are two commands in this verse that will keep us from falling into foolish thinking regarding sinners.
Fret Not
The word “fret” literally means to grow warm from agitation. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines the word in this verse to mean, “To tease; to irritate; to vex; to make angry.”
What do you think about when you see the prosperity of the wicked? Does it make you angry? Do you wonder why God allows them to prosper while you are trying to please Him, but barely making ends meet? Are you frustrated when you see liars and cheaters benefit from their sin?
If so, you are fretting because of evildoers. As you get worked up, you may even begin to question God’s sense of justice and goodness. Don’t fall for that old trick. God has everything under control. He is always good, and He is always right.
[shareable]Commit your way unto God, depart from evil, and He will delight in you. There is no better life than following Him.[/shareable]
Neither Be Envious
Webster’s defines envy as “Pain, uneasiness, mortification or discontent excited by the sight of another’s superiority or success, accompanied with some degree of hatred or malignity, and often or usually with a desire or an effort to depreciate the person, and with pleasure in seeing him depressed. Envy springs from pride, ambition or love, mortified that another has obtained what one has a strong desire to possess.”
Do you wish you had the success or blessings of the lost? Does it look like their life is better than yours? Do you think they have it better than you? Don’t fall under the spell of envy.
Experts tell us that the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is a strong motivator for most people. Satan used this trap with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He made her think of all the Tree offered that she was missing out on. Satan still uses that trick today with great success.
We are tempted to think of the lost souls as only happy people not troubled by our trials. Don’t be seduced to imitate them or join them.
When you see the unsaved around you, look past the fun, the smiles, the parties and the possessions. See them as God sees them, and you won’t fret or envy.
They are spiritually lost only one heartbeat from Hell. They are condemned and without hope, unless they trust Christ as Saviour. They spend their lives searching for fleeting pleasure while wallowing daily in pain and emptiness.
Ultimately, fretting and envy are attacks against God. Rest in the Lord. He has it all under control. It is your responsibility and privilege to keep your eyes on Him.
Commit your way unto God, depart from evil, and He will delight in you. There is no better life than following Him.
[callout]“Heavenly Father, forgive me for being envious of Your enemies. Help me to see them as You do. Give me compassion for their lost condition. Empower me to love them and sacrifice to get Your glorious Gospel to them. You are so good to me. I’d rather have You than Earthly riches. Amen.'[/callout]
Today’s Bible Reading: Psalm 37
Read this devotional series from the beginning here.