(Prov 23:17,18 NLT) Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.
How should we react when persons who clearly live against God's Word, will and way seem to get ahead and go unpunished? If we are not careful, we might allow the enemy to plant seeds in our heart and mind that would suggest that their ends justify the means; that since things are seemingly "working" for them, that their lifestyle must be acceptable. But let me take it a step further, if you allow yourself to think that their lifestyle is "acceptable" just because things seem to be working for them, then what's to keep you from wanting to emulate them and start to copy what they are doing? Don't allow yourself to fall into this trap. Regardless of how things may seem, but bottom line is that sin leads to death (see Romans 6:23, 1st John 2:15-17, 1st John 5:16-17). Solomon tells us that eventually the sinner will be disappointed and the hope that he had will dissipate, while we have a hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5), because our hope springs eternal, both in this life and in the one to come.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. If you want to pursue something, pursue love. Instead of pursuing the lifestyle of the ungodly, seek to pursue spiritual gifts. In 1st Corinthians chapter 12 Paul lays out 9 gifts of the Spirit and he urges us to pursue them. But then, at the end of the chapter, Paul said: "So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all" (1st Cor 12:31). In chapter 13 Paul goes on to teach about the Love of God. God's love is the "best of all" pursuits. If you want to chase after something, chase after that!
2. If you want to imitate someone, imitate God. Instead of imitating sinners, the Word teaches us to imitate the Father Himself. In Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus he said: "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children" (Eph 5:1). Just like my four year old attempts to imitate me, my mannerisms, speech, and ways, we are to attempt to imitate our heavenly Father. The more you learn about Him in the Word and through life experiences, the more You should attempt to be like Him. Attempt to walk, talk, and be like Him daily! That's how we truly honor Him!
3. If you want to pattern yourself after someone, pattern yourself after your Spiritual leaders. The writer of Hebrews said: "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith" (Heb 13:7). There are no lone rangers in the Body of Christ. God has established a system of local churches where each believer can receive the example of a Pastor and other Spiritual leaders. As believers, if we want to pattern ourselves after anyone, it should be those who are making a difference every day by living their lives in accordance with the Word and their life-purpose. Follow the example of those the Father has set before you.
Closing: Father, I thank You for blessing me to have the right desires. I develop in You and I only desire those things that are pleasing in Your sight. I desire Your love. I want to be more and more like You. You are love and You are in me, therefore I will be love to all those I come in contact with today. I imitate You in all that I do. I am Your child, You are my Father, and I pattern myself after You. I also pattern myself after those Godly leaders You have set before me. I observe them, listen attentively to Your teaching through them, and I follow the example of their faith. I declare by faith! l In Jesus' name. Amen!
This is Today's Word! Apply it and Prosper!
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