Receiving Rewards

Read Proverbs 14

Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

Proverbs 14:14

The term “backsliders” is an interesting word. It implies that these people once had faith, that they used to be committed. Somehow these believers took a step back from God and slid away from him. We know that God is just, so if they are getting “what they deserve,” that first step of retreat must have been conscious. They cannot claim to be innocent victims of circumstance or moan, in the words of a television character years ago, “The devil made me do it.”

What do they get? More precisely, it is what they lose that matters: their relationship with God. This is the very thing that good, faithful people receive. We who remain “good” can stand proudly on the mountaintop in judgment of the backsliders, but the footing is shaky up there. We must remember that it may have been only one small, false step away from God that started the whole downward motion. God is the judge. It is for us to remain faithful and in prayer for our fellow hikers up the mountains of faith.

A WORD FOR TODAY

God will make final settlement.

Lord, I want a deep relationship with you. Help me keep my eyes on you and not in judgment of others.