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Views and opinions: Knowing God metes out final reward may ease frustrations

Luke 6:23 — “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

Sometimes it seems like ungodly people win. We see it in everyday life. Those who have worldly wealth put the stranglehold on those who are less financially blessed and get what they want through the power of the dollar. Others use status to claw their way up the ladder, ousting others who are more qualified.

Unfair circumstances create huge frustration and bewilderment for those who are trying to do right. But God has something to say about these matters.

Jesus spoke words of encouragement to His followers. He taught the attitudes and character qualities that pleased God, and reassured His disciples they would be blessed despite the apparent victory of ungodly men.

While these may seem to be rewarded on Earth, Jesus revealed the eventual downfall of those who serve themselves instead of God.

The Gospel of Luke records four blessings and four woes. This contrast shows that those who follow God here will receive their reward in heaven. On the other hand, those who disobey God and misuse their fellow man will ultimately suffer the consequences.

Worldly attitudes and actions only elicit worldly rewards, while heavenly attitudes and actions lead to better heavenly rewards.

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

Blessed are those who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.

Blessed are those who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man ... for great is your reward in heaven.

Woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.

Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.

A true follower of God must look beyond his circumstances and have faith to believe that despite how things may seem, God will keep His word. Even the prophets endured similar injustices, so we are in good company.

Do ungodly people really win? They may seem to receive comfort and enjoyment on Earth, but it will be short-lived. So don’t be frustrated by those who treat you badly.

Instead, seek to develop the attitudes and character qualities that God admires. Believe the words of Jesus, and you can be glad and leap for joy. There is a better day coming and a great heavenly reward will be yours.

 

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com

4/11/2019