Proverbs 10:6-7 

⁶Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. ⁷The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Teach

A wise person said, “Teach them how to fish, and they will find food for a lifetime.” But who will teach you if you were placed in a deprived situation? How do you capitalize when you found yourself in unprecedented situation? What will you do if all you can do is to clean a billiard hall for a living? How do you prosper?

At the age of 5, a young boy had to clean billiard table and sleep on billiard table to survive. In short, he learned to play billiard and become famous billiard player in the world eventually. Do you think that the Lord allowed him to be underprivileged as necessary preparation for that person he designed for him?

Personally, can you identify with Psalm 40:5? ⁵Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

We believe that if we just follow his instructions, the Lord uses necessary situations, circumstances and events for our good. At the moment, we may not readily discern the outcome of his plan, but faith in him gives us confidence that his instructions lead us to the best life experience we can ever have in this world.

The Holy Spirit of God teaches us which path is right for us to follow. Doing the will of the Lord produces practical blessings and may include eternal rewards.

1.  Reward

⁶Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

The term “crown” can be interpreted as coveted reward. Crown signifies honor and dignity. The person who prefers righteousness may or may not focus on rewards that bring him honor and dignity. In comparison, a person who sparks confusion with his verbal statements may not be aware of the consequences.

Surely, when we are in a difficult situation, the temptation is not always positive. There’s a tendency to panic. Christians are not exempted from struggles. So what do we do when we have unpleasant concerns? What should we do when employer is harsh? What should we do when someone is not kind to us? What should we think when we have problem? Our mindset should testify of our faith.

Of course, we want solution. But what kind of mindset reflects faith in God?

Apostle Paul advised in Philippians 4:8, ⁸Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Retirement

Most often, human inclination is to do the best we can for our own good.

A widow testified that as husband and wife, they agreed to prepare for their retirement life. They saved money as much as they can but their plan didn’t come into reality because her husband died at a very young age. Her outlook in life has changed; she suggested that if she could start again, she would prefer to enjoy their life as husband and wife, rather than living for retirement that is not certain.

Preparing for retirement has infected many Christians who may postpone obedience to the Lord. They plan to be more involved in the ministry after they retire. Others plan to be more serious in their practice of faith when they retire. So they prioritize materialism to have sufficient support when they finally commit in their ministry participation or when they respond to their calling.

Know that God does not need anyone to help him accomplish his purpose. So, why does God wants us to obey him, if he didn’t need our help? Obedience to God is practical proof of our faith and love for him. Obedience to his instruction is also impartial way for God to reward the obedient without favoritism to anyone.

Together, let’s seriously meditate on what the Lord declared in Luke 11:28.

            ²⁸Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

The love of God is unconditional but his blessing is conditional. God loves everyone that he sent his only son Jesus Christ to suffer punishment for our sins; and by faith, we believe God has saved us forever from eternal destruction. And faith in the Lord includes trust that his instructions are his impartial approach to bless anybody who obeys him diligently. Remember that God is love and just.

2.  Remember

⁷The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Doing what is right should expect blessing, but distorted or confused minds may ignore righteous deeds. It’s human nature to prefer anything that opposes the will of righteous God. Illegal activities excite curiosity to venture dishonestly.

Lawlessness dares to challenge possible consequences of their unlawful activities.

If they could use their creativity and attempt illegal ventures, they would also take their chances to evade possible verdict that may disturb their freedom.

Pirate

A highest-ranking pirate was captured. His conviction was affirmed for his role in piracy of hijacking of a merchant vessel and killing innocent victims. His attorneys argued that he could not be convicted of piracy because he never set out on the high seas. Nevertheless, he was sentenced to a dozen life sentences.

It says in Romans 13:4-5, ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

As believers of Christ, we should regularly pray for judiciary, legislators and law enforcers. It is for our benefit when our government officials responsibly perform, right? Do you always live in godly way? Personally, what can we do? We can learn from King David. Prophet Nathan confronted King David for his sin; with remorse, David admitted in 2 Samuel 12:13, ¹³ “I have sinned against the Lord.”

King David was very quick to admit his mistakes. It says in 2 Samuel 24:10: ¹⁰ David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, Lord, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”

King David had acted in foolishness also but parents would still cherish to name their sons David. Unmindfully, we also have foolish decisions but we should also be quick to admit our foolishness. And the sins we have confessed, the Lord remembers them no more. He blotted out from his record the sins we confessed.

Together, let us reflect on the declaration of Jesus Christ in John 16:13. ¹³When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

Remember that obedience to the Lord brings blessings. We can obey the Lord only when we rely upon the Holy Spirit. Keep praying for wisdom to discern and interpret properly when the Holy Spirit teaches which practical decision we should take so that we can expect rewards of blessings from him.

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