Bible Reading: Psa. 4; 1 Pet. 4:11-19.
“And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” – 1 Peter 4:18 KJV
Sometime ago I thought I was living a righteous life and was ready to go to heaven anytime the Lord called. I had the belief that I would go to heaven based on my perceived righteousness. But then God began to show me that I was a robber in a dream. When I woke up, I would examine my life and found out that I was faithful to everyone I had financial dealings with. This happened three times. The third time I got more worried because I had just finished fasting asking for direction on my spiritual life as I was about taking a major step in the ministry. That caused me to probe further where I was guilty. Then the Lord reminded me that several years ago, he told me to build a church for him before building another personal house for myself.
But I had since built another personal house and moved in there because of traffic challenges into my new house. He also reminded me that in the course of building the house, I did not pay all the tithe arising from a sale of a property whose proceeds I used to build the house. I was humbled and I immediately began the process of restitution after pleading for mercy.
It is so easy for us to forget things particularly when we face some other challenges. But God has a record of all things and the bible says in Deuteronomy 23:21 KJV “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” This is why Apostle Paul says in Phil 2:12 ‘ “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”
Given this situation, even the elect can scarcely be saved and that’s why it’s stated in 1 Peter 4:18 KJV: “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
So everyday, we need to examine ourselves to ensure we remain in Christ, otherwise we should ask for mercy and restitute our ways promptly. Whatever will prevent you from finishing well, Almighty God will take it away from you today in Jesus name.
Prayer: Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please reveal to me today and give me the grace to right my wrong in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyedepo