Those Whom God Loves 10-26-08
Do you ever find yourself exasperated at the thought of how some people seem to be able to live however they like, doing whatever they want, without having to suffer the consequences for their wickedness? I certainly do! I recently read an article on the Fox News website - “Pop Tarts: Nobody Cares About Holly Madison Without Hugh Hefner,” by Hollie McKay (http://www.foxnews.com). The point of the article was that this woman was no longer able to be center stage in the nightclub scene because all of her “star power” really came from being attached to Playboy Magazine mogul Hugh Hefner.
Now in all honesty, I am fairly unsympathetic to Ms. Madison’s plight (that’s the results of living that life), but I do find it frustrating that a man who has built his wealth on using young women’s bodies to prey on the darker side of men’s sexuality never seems to be called to account. I do not wish the man any harm, but it would be satisfying to hear about him suffering the consequences of being a pioneer in the commoditization of sex in America.
No, we are not likely to get that satisfaction. We are told in the Bible many times that what we see here on Earth is only part of the picture. This means that we are likely to see unfairness in the way things work out; for example, Hugh Hefner has been using up young women (and thereby a great many men) for decades now, without any apparent stigma attaching itself to him: he is a fairly popular cultural icon, an invitation to his mansion is much sought-after, and he is a man in his eighties who has young, beautiful women flocking to him. But that is only what we see here.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45 NIV)
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NIV)
So, on the one hand we see that God causes many things in this world to work out for man regardless of his actions. So, whether in politics or the business world or in the entertainment scene, a wicked man can prosper just like a just man. But on the other hand, there are eternal consequences for the lives we live here. It is because of those consequences that we should thank God whenever our evil schemes land us in trouble – God may be disciplining us!
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as children? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate children at all. Moreover, we have all had parents who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! Our parents disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:4-11 NIV)
God only humbles and disciplines those he loves! There is a Day appointed on which the whole world will be humbled. But on that day, those who have humbled themselves towards God here on Earth will be exalted as the sons of God. God wants you to be in that group, so he disciplines you here. Those who reject God are not humbled – they prosper or are destroyed, but they are not disciplined.
Now as for Mr. Hefner and Ms. Madison and any others out there, we should truly pray for them to come to repentance; do not wish them any harm. But also, do not lose any sleep over the lack of consequences – we do not see everything, nor do we need to. What we need to see are the problems and consequences in our own lives that serve to discipline and humble us – learn to listen to God, and he will help you become the person you were intended to be!
-Charles Peterson