Why Do the Wicked Succeed?

Good day to each of you reading this column as I come to you from the snowy South Carolina area. What a treat we have in snow—Since we may get snow once or maybe twice a year is a treat for us, but for our brothers and sisters in the North, Midwest or Upper West, they would say otherwise and rightly so.

Here’s a bit of laughter to add to your day—

The pastor exclaimed, “We will conduct a Church Board meeting instantly after the service,” Soon when the service ended, everyone from the Church Board came to the sanctuary’s back to attend the declared meeting. But an unknown visitor appeared in the midst – a person who had never been seen at that church earlier. After noticing that person, the pastor said, “Aren’t you aware that this is a Board meeting?” The visitor replied, “Of course,” and after attending the current sermon, I believe I am quite bored like everyone else in this Board meeting.

In a Saturday class, a teacher questioned all the children, “In case I sell my car and my house, donate all of my savings to the church, and arrange a grand garage sale as well, will there be any chance to enter heaven? One of the children from the class replied, “NO!” “After I’m done with mowing the yard, cleaning the church daily, and keeping all the things tidy, would I be allowed into heaven?” This time too, the reply was the same, “NO!” “Well, “she proceeded, “then in which way can I enter heaven?” From the last bench, a 5-year-old kid screamed, “You need to be dead!”

A Friday college teacher questioned the students just before the class was about to end for a church break, “And why is it recommended to stay silent in church?” Jeff answered, “because everyone is taking a nap.”

And Sherry lived alone in a small town with her favorite dog for her own company. But one fine day the dog passed away, and Sherry went to the pastor and interrogated, “My dog is no more, is it possible for you to say a mass for an unfortunate animal?” The pastor answered, “I’m sorry, I can’t have animal services in the holy church. However, certain Baptists in the town can help you out with this.” Sherry said, “I’ll visit them today. And what do you think about $5000 as a donation for their service charges?” The pastor replied, “My dear child! Why didn’t you inform me that you had a Catholic dog?

Here is a thought that looms so greatly in today’s world—How silly it must seem to God when He hears a person or people say there is no God. So who denies God? Only the fool!

Today’s column follows Psalm 10 asking the question why do the wicked succeed? As I read this Psalm, the very first verse asks why the Lord is standing so far off? I have those ask where the Lord was when prayer and Bible reading were taken out of schools, where was the Lord when the Ten Commandments were taken down from public buildings and where was the Lord when abortions were passed?

The question in this Psalm is why has the Lord hid himself in times of trouble or has He?

In this day we see the wicked prosper and wonder why God does nothing. Many, including Christians, get angry about the damage the wicked are doing and think God is just sitting on the sidelines. Others get jealous of the wicked prospering, never thinking that wealth is only temporary.

Psalm 10:2-6 (NIV) gives us insight into the traits of the wicked, such as arrogance, preying on the weak, devising schemes, boasts of his self-needs, blessing the greedy, reviling the Lord, pride overtakes the wicked, his thoughts provide no room for God, being haughty, he thinks his ways are always prosperous and he is untouchable, always happy and will never encounter trouble. Sounds familiar in our world today.

Do you know someone that thinks they got the world on a string and that they are untouchable and full of pride?

When you read the news or watch the television, how many times have you gotten sick to your stomach hearing the “I” word whether in politics, sports, social conversations and in the media. Satan has a wonderful time making sure that pride is used by so many, for instance, “that I did it whether I did and before I did”. I was brought up to tell the world what you did, after you did it.

Yes, the wicked think that God has forgotten or has covered his face, not seeing their sin or for those many crimes that are done in the night so no one can see. So, how can the proud depend on God when they depend on themselves? Do the wicked think that God will not hold them to account?

Psalm 10 gives each Christian the knowledge that God has never left us nor forsaken us and that wealth is only temporary. Be very mindful that God sees and takes notice of each and every evil deed.

Look at verse 17: You hear, O Lord the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them, and listen to their cry. Fellow Christian, do you think you are alone when facing the wicked? No, God is always with you and will be by your side, so you don’t have to face wickedness alone.

In closing, turn to Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave; never will I forsake you.”, “Never will I leave; never will I forsake you.” This is God’s promise to each and every person—God has NEVER BROKE A PROMISE—NEVER!

As a Christian, succeed in doing God’s work and honor him first always.