If the righteous suffer like everybody else, why bother to live for God?
"What's in it for me? What's the use of living a righteous life?
Job 35:3 (NLT)
Thats a good question. Maybe suffering is a penalty for sin. But those who love God are not exempt from suffering, but may even experience more suffering than non-believers. We may not fully understand why we experience pain and suffering, but it can and will lead us to rediscover God. It did for me. Living a righteous life; anything we do should be to glorify God.
Great comments Heath...When I think of suffering I often think of Job. He went through so much...to prove that he had faith in God and would not turn away. I was watching tv last night and there was this guy on there that didn't have legs or arms. It was amazing what he was able to do without his limbs. After seeing him I thought, wow I've haven't been through anything compared to him.
How we thank God, who gives us vitory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever usless. 1 Cornithians 15:57-58
If the rewards of this earthly life were the only thing to live for, then a "why brother" attitude would be understandable. But there are two reasons why this perspective is mistaken.
First, when we try to obey God, we put ourselves in position to enjoy life the way it is meant to be enjoyed; our relationships are more faithful, our lives are full of integrity, and our consciences are clear.
Second, this life is not all there is. The Bible is very clear that those who trust Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin receive the promise of eternal life. Our faithfulness in this life may or may not result in material prosperity, but the rewards in heaven will be more than we could ever imagine.
Thats a good question. Maybe suffering is a penalty for sin. But those who love God are not exempt from suffering, but may even experience more suffering than non-believers. We may not fully understand why we experience pain and suffering, but it can and will lead us to rediscover God. It did for me. Living a righteous life; anything we do should be to glorify God.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments Heath...When I think of suffering I often think of Job. He went through so much...to prove that he had faith in God and would not turn away.
ReplyDeleteI was watching tv last night and there was this guy on there that didn't have legs or arms. It was amazing what he was able to do without his limbs. After seeing him I thought, wow I've haven't been through anything compared to him.
How we thank God, who gives us vitory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever usless.
ReplyDelete1 Cornithians 15:57-58
Your right how JOBs suffering the message is powerful how he went through hell on earth and never lost faith in GOD.
ReplyDeleteIf the rewards of this earthly life were the only thing to live for, then a "why brother" attitude would be understandable. But there are two reasons why this perspective is mistaken.
ReplyDeleteFirst, when we try to obey God, we put ourselves in position to enjoy life the way it is meant to be enjoyed; our relationships are more faithful, our lives are full of integrity, and our consciences are clear.
Second, this life is not all there is. The Bible is very clear that those who trust Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin receive the promise of eternal life. Our faithfulness in this life may or may not result in material prosperity, but the rewards in heaven will be more than we could ever imagine.