The Ways of the Wicked 

   “Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.” (Psalm 37: 1 – 2) 

   Through lies, cheating, and taking advantage of others, there are many who become very wealthy and influential in this life.  People look to them as the model for earthly success.  What they don’t realize and understand is that none of the treasures of this world last; they have no eternal value.

   I look at the ways of the world and I can easily see why God sometimes punishes those who ignore Him and His ways.  He doesn’t discipline them out of hate but because of His love.  Just as loving parents chastise their children in hopes of helping them understand right from wrong, so does God punish His children who stray in an effort to return them to the right path.

   The Lord’s desire is for the conversion of the wicked, but they must choose sanctification.  He will not deny us our free will, even to save our eternal soul.  He continues to call the wicked, but He will never demand that they answer His call.  The sinners, the wicked ones, must accept God’s forgiveness by coming to Him in repentance and sorrow, desiring to sin no more.

   God condemns no one to hell.  When the wicked choose evil, refusing God’s love and mercy they are making the choice of eternal damnation, rejecting the paradise that awaits the repentant.