“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts” (Psalm 12:1,2 NIV).
Sometimes cheaters win, don’t they? You know it. You’ve seen the classmate who looked at your paper during the spelling test. Or you’ve seen the kids who showboat when they score and everyone thinks they’re cool. Or maybe you’ve had money stolen from your locker and no one admitted taking it.
It works that way for adults too. The people who cheat sometimes get the raises and the promotions. Neighbors who are angry and bitter make life miserable. Celebrities mock God—and are even more popular.
Are you ever tempted to take the easy way out? Doesn’t it seem like cheating, lying, and stealing might actually make your life better? Making good choices, being honest, and working hard seems like a waste of time when you see other people being lazy and dishonest and not getting caught.
God sees what’s going on, and he wants to remind you that he will act when the time is right. “You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race” (Psalm 12:7,8).
Cheaters might win here on earth. Believers, however, will win forever in heaven!
Chomp on this!
How do you feel when cheaters win?
How can you be sure to work hard and be honest when others aren’t?
