Bible - The Books of the Major Recommendations

Our Bible study class realized as we read through the books of the "law," that God didn't really suggest he was going to create problems for man if he failed to act in accordance with the law, but rather that there were natural consequences of sin.  Do the right things and life will go well for you.  Do the wrong things and you will suffer.

And yet, as every Christian knows, we see those who are sinning apparently doing well, and those who are living fairly righteously suffering consequences.  While I'm certainly not the first to think of this, I had a new take on the issue during my prayer time.

For the person living outside of God's commands and admonitions, even on their best day they are waiting for the other shoe to drop.  They live in fear, or at least stress over, the likelihood that they will get caught by those who are losing because of their gain, that the gravy train will run out, and they will be reduced to living like the rabble they so judge, or that illness or other consequences (STD's, stress related illnesses, etc.) will create discomfort or even death.

On the other hand, those of us who humble ourselves and attempt to live righteously will, as Paul points out, prosper even in our loss.  We will be hopeful when we suffer,  see potential good or gain in every loss, not be subject to stress due to anxiousness over our unexposed sins, and worry less about how others may be angry or unhappy with us.

Thus, we inherit the kingdom of God through our being meek now, not later.  We who may be last come in first now, not later.  Our riches lie in our good health ... healthy outlook ... even when our physical or fiscal health is not so good.