Many Christians are often discouraged when they see ungodly people perform better than them in life. The ungodly may have better jobs, better grades, bigger houses, faster cars, etc but we shouldn’t allow this to hurt us. The LORD tells us to not be envious of the wicked. We must keep our eyes on Him and follow Him wherever He goes:
Psalms 37:1-3 - “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
There was once a man in Israel known as Asaph who watched the prosperity of Israel and almost backslid. Let’s review his testimony:
Asaph became envious of the health and prosperity of the wicked:
Psalms 73:1-5 - “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
But Asaph notices that their prosperity has caused them to become proud blasphemers:
Psalm 73:6-12 - “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.”
Asaph is hurt and questions his decision in following the LORD:
Psalms 73:13-16 - “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;”
But then Asaph enters into the sanctuary and remembers the reality of all things:
Psalms 73:17-20 - “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.”
I can imagine when Asaph entered into the sanctuary of God, he would’ve seen the ceremony of the sin offering, when the sinner would remove the fat of the animal, hand it to the priest and the priest would burn it on the altar. The fat of the animals represented all sin and sinners (Psalm 37:20, Psalm 17:10). The priest burning the fat on the altar was a prophecy of the wicked burning in hellfire.
Christians should learn from Asaph’s testimony. Whenever we become envious at the prosperity we should enter “into the sanctuary of God”, not literally but through the Bible. This world is temporary and it is Satan’s goal to make you forget that. Make sure that you’re studying your Bible every single day, meditating on the word of God and praying without ceasing. If we neglect our religious duties Satan will have an advantage over us and we will not be able to withstand his temptations. Keep your eyes on the LORD and everything will be well with you.
Asaph learns his lesson:
Psalms 73:21-23 - “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.”
Asaph thinks about Heaven and righteousness:
Psalms 73:24-28 - “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
We must have the same mindset as Asaph did after he entered into the sanctuary. Colossians 3:1-2 - “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Always remember that our reward is in Heaven and it will be far greater than anything anyone on earth has ever received! 1 Corinthians 2:9 - “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Our main goal in this world should be to hear the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
I pray that this short study has been a blessing to you. God bless.
Revelation 22:20 - “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”