Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 22:4-5 (NLT).
True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
Interpreting Old Testament wisdom can sometimes be difficult. We know that our faith doesn’t guarantee us wealth or position here on earth but rather the “treasure in heaven” that a life lived in God promises. We also know that sickness or failure are not direct punishment for our behavior. God doesn’t work like that.
Faithful people take Christ’s statement from Matthew 5:45 to heart: “For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” God has set creation in motion and things proceed according to His will. When we accept His love, we accept that our reward is not here, but in Heaven.
If we expect our faith to make us wealthy or popular, we didn’t get the message. Faithful people can be wealthy or popular but faithful people can also be poor, sick and rejected by society. We know that our circumstances here are not an indicator of our inclusion in His kingdom.
Gracious God, help us to see that Your love is universal and not related to our earthly status. Bless us to go to all people, no matter who they are, bearing Your love. Amen.
