Do you know the Ten Commandments (Deut. 5:1-22)? In many ways, these ten laws describe how we should live our lives. They are very easy to understand, and they seem easy to follow. However, no one is perfect, and Christ has revealed that sin is not simply a matter of our physical actions. Sin is an issue of the heart as well as the thoughts and desires of our inner most being. Sin is evil, and therefore, those who sin are evil.
Everyone sins, and at various times, we will all be confronted here on earth with our sins. When you are confronted with the consequences of your sin, what do you do? When you fall into the hands of temptation, into the clutches of painful trials, or are pushed into uncomfortable corners, how will you respond?
In the end, the righteous and the wicked will act differently. Thomas Watson writes, "The afflictions of the godly are fruits of covenant mercy. Afflictions on the wicked are effects of God's wrath... Affliction on the godly is like bruising spices-which makes them give off a most sweet and fragrant aroma. Affliction on the wicked is like pounding weeds with a pestle-which makes them give off a foul stench."
Everyone is faced with difficulties in some shape or form, whether they are mental, physical, emotional or spiritual. Yet not everyone reacts the same way. When God presents us with trials of persecution or temptation, we can either act in pride and rebellion or in humility and submission.
God's wrath remains on the wicked and their pride and rebellion. Although no person is wholly holy or righteous, through Christ's righteousness we are made holy and righteous.
Living Life
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