Righteous Loser

Righteous living isn’t always profitable (in the short term). Getting ahead in the game is the game – or so it seems. Those who cut corners and make appropriate “adjustments” are quite often the winners. They get applause and accolades. The system is rigged in such a way that only those who “play the game” get ahead and stay ahead.

But due to your unwillingness to move with the crowd, you’ve been sidelined, ignored, or even ridiculed. Others have been asking what is wrong with you, and now, you’re wondering what’s wrong. Your stand for righteousness seems to have brought more trouble on you than the good that you expected.

The psalmist clearly recognized that God is on the throne and that He deals with righteousness. Due to his stand for righteousness, he endured numerous hardships and dangers. But he was not deterred in any way. He knew that God is the king of all the earth and that he rules with uprightness and loves righteousness.

“Your throne O God is forever and ever. The scepter of your Kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions” (Psa 45:6-7).

So if living upright brings you loss, stay with it and make sure your ways are righteous. There is no need to “get ahead” when the king of all the earth is on your side. When God makes his decisions, he does it with uprightness. He’s not influenced by those who push themselves forward for favors or recognition.

As you keep your ways aligned with God’s ways, God’s attention and favor will be turned toward you. He will anoint you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.

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