There is an imbalance in this world that sees the righteous suffering and the wicked prospering.  It has always been hard for the people of God to see how well the unrighteous do in this world.  The Psalmist admitted,  “…I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3).

Many Christians feel the same way as the Psalmist, but that does not mean that they should.  Earthly prosperity is of small value.  I did not say there is no value in it, but it is small compared to the riches in Christ.  The spiritual riches that we possess now, and the hope of even greater riches in heaven, of which the sufferings of this world cannot compare (Romans 8:18), should remove any envy we might feel toward the wicked who prosper.

As Christians, it is important to realize that not only does the good we do in Christ not guarantee immediate prosperity, but it might lead to suffering.

We live in a world that is becoming more hostile toward God and the ways of Christ all the time. This is not overly surprising seeing that the world is filled with moral darkness, and, as Christians, we represent the light.  This is why John said, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). 

In a world dominated by sin, doing good is sometimes dangerous.  Paul was whipped five times,  beaten with rods three times, stoned several times, all for doing good (2 Corinthians 11:25).  The Hebrews writer wrote of those of old who suffered being flogged, imprisoned, stoned, killed with the sword, and even being sawed in half, all for doing what was right in the eyes of God (Hebrews 11:36-37).  Yes, there has always been an element of danger in doing good.

The key to surviving any kind of persecution, especially when it comes simply because we are doing good, is to have an upward outlook in life; in other words, keeping our eyes focused on heaven, even during, or better yet, especially during, times of trouble.

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
¹  If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Paul could teach this because he first practiced it.  How did he view the persecution that he endured over the years?  In 2 Corinthians 4, he referred to them as their “light affliction.”  How was he able to refer to things like being beaten with rods and stoned as a light affliction?  It was by having the proper focus in life.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)
¹⁸  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

In the context of this statement, the “things which are seen” referred to the suffering Paul endured.  He overcame all persecution by having an upward outlook while, at the same time, continuing to do good.  Let’s do our best to follow his example.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.