During a conversation with our church’s missionary to Ireland I learned that the recent legislative change to legalize abortion in that country was funded by an American billionaire. The same man has funneled millions of dollars to multiple states to support the campaigns of those that want to expand abortion rights. Across the United States he has invested staggering amounts of money into district attorney races with the intent to influence the judicial system in pro-abortion ways.
Why does someone with such evil intent get be one of the wealthiest people in the world? Why do those that proudly oppose God and shamelessly resist His Word attain positions of power?
It is frustrating to see evil people prosper. If you’re honest, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “If I had that kind of money or power, I’d use it for so much good.” If you’re not careful those thoughts can lead to sinful discontent, anxiety, fear or anger. Asaph, the psalmist, wrote about that danger. “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:2–3).
Asaph laments how the wicked don’t seem to lack for anything. All their desires are fulfilled. They do not bear the burden of poverty, neglect or powerlessness. From atop their empires they look down at those beneath their station and have contempt for any notion of accountability to God.
In light of the easy life of the wicked, Asaph was tempted to question the merit of living a disciplined, God-honoring life. He struggled to reconcile the injustice of it all, that is, until he went to the house of God.
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. (Ps. 73:16–17)
He gained context during godly worship. When, with other Christians, you sing songs of praise to God, submit to biblical preaching and participate in the Lord’s Supper the priorities of life become clear. You recognize that there is no real power in wealth, political positions or corporate titles. The end that the psalmist discerned after going to the sanctuary of God was that, in fact, He had “set [the wicked] in slippery places,” that they will “fall to ruin,” that they will be “destroyed in a moment,” and that they will be “utterly swept away by terrors!”
Asaph no longer saw wealth, possessions and status as a sign of success. Worshiping God caused him to realize that a life lived for God is not a wasted life. And of greater importance than knowing that the wicked will be brought to justice is the truth that he gained about his relationship to God.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. (Ps. 73:28)
What a change of attitude! Not only is there no need to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked, but there is exceeding comfort and safety in proximity to God. It is a security worth proclaiming! Another psalmist, David, reiterated that truth.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps. 37:1–4)
What is your perspective on the “success” of evil people? Do you find yourself becoming discontented, anxious, fearful or angry? Are you tempted to question the value of living a biblically disciplined life? Get an attitude adjustment in the sanctuary of God. It’s there that you can see clearly that the unjust will be called to account and that you are free to trust in the Lord, do good, dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. In the sanctuary of God you can experience a proximity to Him that eclipses any amount of earthly prosperity.
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. (Prov. 11:28)