Craig Clouston

 Future Reward

He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:45

“I understand the free will thing and how bad things happen to good people,” Gabe said. “But how is it that so many nasty people have so much? How come God allows bad people to have good things?” Gabe wasn’t just complaining. He wanted an answer.

“Well,” Grant said, “Scripture says that God’s rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, Gabe. He shows love to everyone without distinction or favor. He allows us all to sense that love so we have the chance to know and follow Him. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. So He blesses some with wealth, hoping they will understand where the blessings come from and give Him glory.”

“It just doesn’t seem fair. They get all the stuff, and I get hard work and frustration.” Now Gabe was complaining.

Grant continued, “Gabe, Jesus also said, ‘For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?’ (Matthew 16:36). You see, although they may have wealth and material possessions, they have lost the most important thing we can hope to have: eternal life with God. Would you want their riches if you had to pay their consequences?” he asked.

“No,” Gabe said, noticeably subdued. He was contemplating the enormity of the truth as it became clear.

†

Great wealth can cause great envy. Our finite minds conjure the image of God randomly blessing people who have no intention of giving Him credit for their wealth while we struggle to make ends meet. Without the entire picture, we can come to the wrong conclusion and resent God for His liberal lavishness.

But if God, in His infinite wisdom, brings rain on the unjust, could it possibly be because He knows something we don’t? And if that is true, shouldn’t we give Him leeway to do as He pleases without lodging complaints?

As believers, our future reward is based on our inheritance: salvation in Christ Jesus. Having such a promise and reward, how can we envy those who have gained wealth and possessions yet are perishing?

Prayer

“Forgive me when I envy wealth and prosperity, Lord. Help me remain focused on my future reward in heaven. Amen.”