Making the Better Choice

13:11)

Here is an example about William “Bud” Post:

When William “Bud” Post won $16.2 million in a 1988 lottery, one of the first things he did was try to please his family…
Unfortunately, his kin was of the unfriendly sort. Post’s brother hired a hit man to kill him, hoping to inherit some money. Other family members persuaded him to invest in two businesses that ultimately failed. Post’s ex-girlfriend sued him for some of the winnings. Post himself was thrown in jail for firing a gun at a bill collector.
Over time, Post accumulated so much debt that he had to declare bankruptcy. He now relies on Social Security for income. “Lotteries don’t mean (anything) to me,” he is quoted as saying—after he lost all his money. [source: www.businesspundit.com]

Your way or God’s way?

Application: Are you dreaming of getting rich fast? Drop the dream. Rich humans are still humans. It will not cure all your ills; instant riches would cure some problems but create new ones.
Do you value sense, even sometimes over-riding your emotions?

IV. The Better Choice in REVENGE (22)
A. It is not wrong to WANT to be vindicated

Revelation 6:9-11, “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

B. It is wrong to take your OWN revenge (see Romans 12:17-21)

C. Government exists to take some revenge on GOD’S behalf

Romans 13:1-4, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

Your way or God’s way?

Application: Think of someone who has wronged you. Are you trying to get even? Or have you left that person or persons to God to deal with. It’s hard.
Do you value sense, even sometimes over-riding your emotions?