Sunday, May 10, 2009

Liars, Thieves, Cheats and Cowards

.
“He tests the good and the bad alike; if anyone cheats, God's outraged.” (Psalm 11:5 The Message).

There were three names that would get you shot dead in the Old Wild West -- Liar, Thief, and Cheat. Call a man a Liar, a Thief, or a Cheat and bullets will be flying. Oh, yeah, while we’re at it toss Coward in there as well. Or, Chicken (if your last name is McFly).

“Mister, Them thar are fightin’ words!”

Some things are so intrinsically wrong that we are automatically set off with anger when they happen. Lying, stealing, cheating, and being a coward are chief among these things. Nobody likes a liar, a thief, a cheater, or a coward. Nobody – not even God.

John the Revelator told us, “But as for the cowards, the faithless and the corrupt, the murderers, the traffickers in sex and sorcery, the worshippers of idols and all liars - their inheritance is in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur” (Rev.21:6).

These things destroy trust, and trust is part of the foundation for a great and meaningful life. For this reason God, who longs for us to live Life at its highest and best, has set Himself against those who do such things. One translation says, “The LORD watches over those who do what is right. But he hates sinful people and those who love to hurt others.” (New International Reader).

And though it may seem for the moment that they are undiscovered in their deceitful deeds; going along in life, prospering by plundering others; their faces smug and self-assured; their stock increasing and their power expanding – God sees, God knows, and He is outraged. In but a short time He will answer all of this – and we will know that He is the Lord. They will know it, too.

And those who practice such things will be named for what they are – Liars, Thieves, Cheats and Cowards. Their honor will turn to shame, their pride will turn to disgrace, their laughter will turn to sorrow, and their estate will come to ruin.

So…if you’ve been lied to, stolen from, cheated on, or left by cowards to face the onslaught alone – God has His eye on you. He is standing with you, and will see you through it all.

"He everywhere hath sway, and all things serve His might;
His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light.
We comprehend Him not, yet earth and heaven tell
God sits as sovereign on the throne and ruleth all things well." — Author unknown

.

No comments: