Good morning, friends.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 1:18, “Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.”
There was some research done several years ago comparing Christians and Non-Christians in some key areas of life. What the research showed was a strong similarity between the two groups in areas where one might expect there to be a much wider divide. For instance, when people were asked if they were satisfied with their life, 69% of Christians said yes while 68% of Non-Christians did also. Of those surveyed, within the past month 47% of believers had donated money to a non-profit organization, whereas 48% of non-believers had done so. Twenty-seven percent of Non-Christians had gambled on a lottery ticket in the past week, but 23% of Christians had done the same. About 7% of Christians took drugs or medication prescribed for depression, almost identical to the 8% of Non-Christians who did. Even 9% of believers watched an X-rated movie in the past three months, which is not too different from the 16% of non-believers. Now, the reasons for these unflattering numbers are no doubt many, and probably have much to do with the fact that somehow 86% of Americans call themselves Christians.
But regardless of the reasons, what should not be missed is how merciful and full of grace God is. Even as He forgives the sins and failings of His followers, who stumble grossly on a regular basis, God patiently withholds His hand from those who openly reject or mock Him. In fact, few things befuddle the believer more than seeing the prosperity and immense success of ones who show disdain for the One who makes it all possible. Truly, there is not a one of us who is not regularly rewarded for our own wickedness in some way. God would certainly have His church living and being different from those who do not possess the Spirit of the living God within them. Jesus’ words strongly indicate that the true follower will stand in sharp contrast to those around him, all for the sake of having more of Him. So take stock of what brings you your rewards, and store up for yourself treasure in heaven.
As we seek Him today, make sharper and clearer that image that the world sees of King Jesus and His followers.
Have a marvelous weekend.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
