Contrast!

Contrast!

Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner. PROVERBS 13:6 AMP

Why is Righteousness the focus here and not good works, morality or being nice? What becomes very clear is that there is nothing a man could bring to the bargaining table to make him qualified for all of God's blessings; I stand where I am and I am what I am simply as a function of who God is and what He has done. How do I become righteous: simply by aligning with the template God has laid down through his Son, totally depending on the finished work of redemption by Christ on the cross, and a daily living that aligns with an appreciation and understanding of all I have received.

One of the benefits of righteousness as stated in today's extract is that such a person has his life guarded. There will be no need for a guard if there was no danger ahead or around. Nowhere does God promise those who depend on Him safety from trials and tribulations; his promise, as always, is that He will keep, guide, protect, lead and help. When you have a limitless and timeless God on your side, what difference can circumstances that are limited by time, space and circumstances make?

It must also be added here that sometimes, the one who trusts may not see the end s/he expected, but does that change anything about the immutability of God's divine purpose and will? Not at all. But one thing is clear: wickedness has a determined end, and it always end in eternal death for all who do not repent. For those who see God as being too merciful, would you allow something you have created, nurtured and sustained now turn around and rebel, and you do nothing about it? Think about it- God's mercy does not let go, and it keeps calling, but one day, mercy will give way, and judgment will take centre stage. How will it go for me? How will it go for you? His time of favour is here.