The Temptation of Bitterness

"Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness."  - Martin Luther King Jr.

Sometimes it's hard to understand why evil people, with unworthy and contemptible hearts appear to thrive and prosper; while many a good, kind, and loving individual never seems to enjoy the same level of success.

Who can blame the latter for harboring feelings of resentment, bitterness, and envy? We've heard all about the payoffs of hard work, being honest, and helping our fellow man. Yet, there's always the temptation to try the other way.

Temptation is one of the strongest weapons in Satan's arsenal, and he uses it often. When we succumb to covetousness towards another's advantages, success, or possessions, we are falling right into his hands.

Several great men of the Bible suffered bouts of envying the apparent "good life" of the wicked. How did they deal with it? They believed in fundamental truths about God. For example, Job had faith in the omniscience of God (Job 24:1).

 Habakkuk on God's holiness (Habakkuk 1:13). Jeremiah trusted in the justice of God (Jeremiah 12:1), and Asaph, one of David's choir leaders, placed his faith on the goodness of God (Psalm 73:1).

These unassailable truths can provide a strong defense whenever temptation strikes. They worked for these men, and they can work for us, too. However, we must never lose sight of something (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though it may seem that God has forgotten some over others, nothing could be further from the truth. God has his reasons for doing what He does, and it's simply not for us to know His will.

God's plans for us may differ, but His goodness, equally dispersed to all, is especially so to those with a clean heart, absolved by the blood of Christ, purged from the pollution of sin, and entirely devoted to the glory of God.

Scripture: Psalm 31:19; Exodus 33:19; Psalm 84:11; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 37:3;

Prayer: Dear God, how abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, amen.  - Psalm 31:19 


Bless you always,

Brielle