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Well I was sitting down the other day flipping channels and came across two religious sermons and I found it interesting what they were saying. Now true believers understand that all men sin and fall short of the Glory of God. [There is a difference between professing and believing and doing.] That even the just man sins seven times a day. [They may not think so but if God says it then it is so]. After all He calls the shots. However, if God also chastises those He loves, did you hear and understand what I am saying, if He chastises those whom He loves and we go with that as a premise for this debate and question then let me ask you this?
If we sin we are punished and if He loves us we are chastised, then in either case we suffer. So is there conflict in that? Can anyone tell me if this is true and what that means? Logically what I think it says is that believers are going to suffer and our life will be one of suffering? Now as believers we also all know trials will always be with us.
So if we look at it from the perspective of a believer we can say:
1- we will be punished for our sins.
2- we will be chastised.
3- we will suffer trials.
So what does that say for all who have the good life, La Dolce Vita, The pretty people, The power brokers and rulers? What does it say about all those rich, wealthy, greedy, obscene rich and powerful types of this world? What does it say about all the exploiters, abusers and whatever else you want to call them living the life of leisure, opulence and everything this world has to offer? Yet, we know that many of them profess to be believers as well and yes some are even ministers or religious. They seem good but we know they are all sinners just like us. We just dont know the degree of their sin because like the Easter Bunny we only see the outside, the cover of the Book and we all know never buy a book by its cover.
So, just what does that say to the majority who suffer every day with problems, tragedy, adversity, worry, real physical and mental destruction and anxiety while others literally step in it so to speak and frequently? They can do no wrong and whatever they do works and is successful. Do they not sin and are they not loved?
Well we know they are loved because God loves us all that none should perish. So we must consider that they might suffer in other ways not known to everyday, average people because God is in control and can punish or chastise whom He desires and how and most certainly, when. Is it fair? No one said God had to be fair yet we believe He is a fair and a just God. So we can be sure if they sin they will be punished and they will be chastised. That is certain.
Now what about the chastisement? Well literally in my belief it is to remind you of your sin and to bring you in the direction of where God wants you to be so you choose not to sin. Like you telling your child, don't smoke or else. So, if this is a logical thought, the less sin you do the less chastisement and subsequently less punishment you receive. Now that does not mean any, just less. Nor does it mean that those who have all this world has to offer are saints. You know even the saints suffered greatly. But what it does mean is that we are to be trying to work at becoming as close as we can to what God wants us to be and God is helping us to get there.
If we work toward that gpa; then it seems logical our trials, suffering and punishments will be reduced, not eliminated and we will be stronger and able to bear them. We will in effect be running the good race. In fact many offer their sufferings, trials and punishments to God for others and for His will to be done. Wow, if we could only all get to that point. Yet, it takes a very long time for most.
So do not be jealous, envious or covert what the rich man and powerful have what those of this earth seek. Nor be discouraged in your trials, chastisement or the punishment that we deserve from a just God. God does not desire us to sin; it is just our nature to and He, as a loving father must correct us as a just God. Do we not do the same for those we love and we humans cannot ever imagine the size and scope of Gods love for us. Also, remember our focus is not on this world or what it has to offer which is subject to decay, rot and corruption. No our focus is on the life to come and our reward. We must we remember we are in the earth not of this earth. So the trials we suffer are but for a short time when one looks at eternity and the rewards that God promises.
As for all the rest who many of us do envy, even though we do not admit it at times, we shouldn't. Even though we may feel they always stepped in it do we really want what might await them? I think not. I think the suffering we endure is nothing compared to that?
As for them, I really do not think they even would consider what I am talking about and as God says I have eternity for them. Like I said if all is going too well and you have no fear I would start to think about that and I would definitely think about that last line.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr.
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