Why am I always getting the short end of the stick? I pay my tithes, I’m a faithful church member, I follow his commandments, I’m nice to everyone I meet, I don’t judge them—I don’t get it! I’m doing all these good things and trying to walk the Christian path but I see no reward! I’m still single, I’m remaining celibate, I’ve been cheated on, my money is funny, my friendships are dwindling down—What’s the point of it all??
The beautiful thing about the Bible is that no matter how old the Word is, it still applies to today! You are not the only one with those questions! In fact Paul actually addresses those same questions in Romans 3:1 as it says:“What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? But Paul answers “Much in every way!” He goes on to tell us the benefits of following God in the remainder of the chapter but reminds us that just because we are following Him; does not exempt us from the same things non-believers go through. For it says in 3:20 “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather through the law we become conscious of sin.”
We have to remember that we do not earn salvation by doing “good things” (no one except Christ could ever keep God’s laws perfectly), however we please God when our lives conform to His revealed will for us. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” Romans 2:7-8 We have to be careful about when talk about our good deeds. Are you boasting of what YOU have done or what God has done THROUGH you. It is so easy to get frustrated and just want to give up and resort to who you were before you met Christ because it is familiar; it is your safety zone.
“For it is written: “The righteous will live by faith”, (Romans 1:17) So by trusting Christ that he will “give you the desires of your heart” , you have to put your faith in God and continue to build a relationship with God so thay you may better understand His reasoning. Any question you seek is in the Word of God. It is up to you to go deeper to find the answers. “Go in the deep” as my friend would say. Go deeper in your walk with him, Go deeper in your studies and not just Bible Study and Sunday Service, yet create spiritual relationships and fellowship with one another and talk about God’s word. Create an atmosphere for yourself that you can be open and have patience to whatever God has planned for you.
The underlying message is that “this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” 3: 22. How deep is your faith to put total trust in Him and believe that living a righteous life is not in vain?
Starving Christians 