It is much better to be loved by God then to be known by wicked people of this world. You may have made a name for yourself but what is your outlook with God? Are you right with Him? Has God spared your soul from wrath, as your sins are forgiven or does God even know you? Being filled with the lusts of this world tarnishes our faith and our name before the living God. It does not matter what your friends or family say of you but what God says. It is much better to be of Christ than to be found in the world, come judgement day. Solomon taught, 1“a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” How is your life? Is the person, you have become, right by the people you are around or God? Please know that the things of this world are only temporary. Even among all the rich and poor people of this world, God knows where they all stand. Even as 1“the rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” What makes a difference in one’s life is their humility and willingness to learn and change their lives for the Lord. Those that are humble, are taught by Him. There open heart to God, allows Him to come into their lives and do His will. 1“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” True life begins when we turn from our sins and allow the Lord to change us from within. This leads a person away from the wicked people of this world and to follow Christ. He that doth these things shall keep his soul. Our salvation is more important than engaging in what is evil.
In this life, God is able to use us for His good. Even as parents, we are able to help raise up children that love the Lord. We can keep them away from the bad influences and instead do Bible studies and pray often that help them grow. This is what God calls every Christian husband or wife to do. However, those that forget God’s calling, their children are in danger of following the wrong path. This is why it is so important to trust in Jesus and do as He says. This will lead a person to 1“train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” As followers of Christ, we allow the Lord to not only use us for His greater good but also to help us rear our children up in the faith. This means that when our children are out of line and not doing as God would have us do, we correct them. We let them know what they are doing is wrong and give them consequences, lest they continue there in. For 1“foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” And if you are a parent or not, God still wants to use you for His will. This means to give to the poor and to help those in need. We are not just believers by words but also by our actions. And I will conclude with this last quote from Solomon, when he said, 1“he that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” We are blessed abundantly by God as we abide in Him. And so doing, we are led to love our neighbor by helping the poor and needy. Do not resist God’s call to care for those in need. For this is God’s calling to all Christians.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help us all become a true follower of You. May our belief in You speak volumes about what we say and do for You in this life. Let Your light so shine upon us that we may be examples of those in the faith. We are open to receive the Holy Spirit and to be led by You in all things. Use us for Your greater good. Change our lives and lead us from temptation. Help us seek what is greater in this life, which is Your love, and leave the world behind. May we stop lifting ourselves up but lift You up before men. It is greater to make a name for You, God, then to make a name for ourselves. I pray that we are right in Your presence above what the world thinks. The wicked people in this world can make fun and persecute us in the faith but my trust in You will never fail. You are the rock of my salvation. Where shall I go but to You for answers. You are Savior and dearest friend. When I pray and read Your Words in the Bible, I am safe. You give me strength to endure all things. Thank You for being there for me Lord. I believe in You. I trust in You, Jesus. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Proverbs 22:1-15 (KJV)
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
