Prepared for Praise not Punishment
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Prepared for Praise, not Punishment
“Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Prov. 13:15)
Everyone enjoys praise! But the price of praise is preparation and performance. Praise is usually associated with a good reputation. This for most people is important and is attained with proper life choices and a pleasurable attitude. A good reputation also requires effort and discipline. We strive to achieve a good reputation to be accepted by others.
We as Christian’s desire a favorable relationship with our Heavenly Father. We strive to live faithful lives that are pleasing to Him. For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). Our faith grows and becomes deeper the more we hear and heed the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Striving to “be diligent to present ourselves approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). This will lead us to receive the most desirable praise which is from God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:10).
We must commit ourselves to continual study of the Bible. It will produce what it was intended for… All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16,17). Our growth in knowledge of God and His will for our lives increases our spiritual maturity and allows us to possess a proper “fear of the LORD,” a reverence and respect for HIM and the reality of the judgment to come. Our reward will be the “crown of life” for the faithful (Rev. 2:10); and it far exceeds all our time and effort invested to receive such an amazingly gracious eternal inheritance! Our increased wisdom and understanding in turn will increase favor with God and others that love the Lord. Such as the example of our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 2:52.
Opposite understanding is the lack thereof, alien sinners not fully comprehending or caring for the punishment of their transgressions. In contrast to the preparation required for praise, are the majority of those lost in the world unprepared for the penalty of sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:23). It is dire we share God’s word and any influence we have to lovingly instruct others to choose Christ (Eph. 4:15)!
~Jeff Whatley~