January 29, 2016

Who is Watching?

Who is watching? Did you ever notice there are some folks who can get away anything? Does it ever seem as if you cannot commit the smallest infraction without getting caught? Even more, do God’s actions have the appearance of punishing you for the very deeds that He allows someone else to commit repeatedly without repercussion?

Whatever happens, consider the idea that He is treating you as one of His beloved children. Simply put, He is being a loving father to you. Conversely, what of the person who gets away with wickedness? The writer of Psalm 94 sings about this, “The Lord isn’t looking,” they say, “and besides, the God of Israel doesn’t care.” He goes on to write, “Think again, you fools! — He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing?” (NLT)

Consequently, the one being wicked has bigger problems than his own sin. He is far removed from the family of God and is a complete outsider. The psalmist continues, “Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.”  The author of the book, Hebrews, reveals the love God has for His children. He encourages us with these words, “God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:10-11 NLT)

Scripture makes it clear that we know who is watching.

To train a boy in the way he should go you must go that way yourself. – Billy Sunday

Hebrews 12:6

For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.