“But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.”
– Psalm 73:2
Do you ever feel like giving up on doing the right thing? Do you look around and see the seemingly perfect lives of people who aren’t serious about God as they present themselves in public and online? Does it frustrate you when those living in ways opposed to God seem to suffer no ill effect? And when they seem to prosper and “win” at life? Do you ever grow weary of trying to be holy in public and private to honor your most Holy God?
The Psalmist did, as he admits in this verse. He nearly forgot why he lived a holy life. Thinking only in terms of earthly benefits and blessings, he was upset by the seeming prosperity of those living in rebellion against God. He began to think that if God wasn’t striking them down, then perhaps he should imitate their greed, lust, cruelty, and selfishness. He almost forgot that the blessings of a life glorifying to God aren’t material. They’re spiritual and eternal.
Followers of Jesus are called to live holy lives – not just in public but in every moment of our private lives. We don’t do this to earn God’s favor but because God already favors us and Jesus earned that favor for us on the cross. We must remember that we pursue holiness not as a way to work the system and dispense health and wealth upon ourselves. We pursue holiness to more deeply experience God and because of his presence in our lives. We must pursue holiness because God has already declared us holy by grace through faith in Jesus. We are to live holy lives because we will spend eternity in the presence of the One who is Holy, Holy, Holy. Don’t give up! Don’t get frustrated by appearances and earthly outcomes. Be holy for the Lord your God is Holy and you are His beloved child in Jesus Christ! #FollowJesus