I think the same goes for us as adults, although most of us aren't tattling anymore! If someone is taking shortcuts at work, we're waiting for it to catch up with them. We become satisfied when the person that drove by us at 20 mph over the limit is pulled over by the police a few miles down the road. We are thankful when the dangerous men and women who thought they could get away with things end up behind bars and off the street.
It's not the same if you don't see the consequence. If the guy taking shortcuts at work gets talked to privately and the rumors never make it to your desk, there's no emotional reaction. If the guy going 20 mph over the limit gets pulled over on a street where you didn't get to pass him, you don't find any gratification in his punishment.
I think the same feeling affects us when we are the recipient of something good. We find gratification in the rewards we're given in response to the correct actions and reactions. If the Superbowl this evening was played in secret, and the ring ceremony was a private event, then no one talked about the outcome of the game and the general public was never given the opportunity to know about the achievements of the winning team, how would the Pats feel about their Superbowl rings? How would they feel about their private achievement if no one knew it happened?
In Psalm 23:5, David writes "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
God wants our relationship with Him to be blessed. He wants to celebrate our mutual love for each other the same way a husband and wife celebrate their marriage. Notice what happens to the feeling of the verse below if the event is not observed by the public.
In Psalm 23:5, David writes "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
It's still great. God is still loving on you and enjoying being present with you, but there's a sense of satisfaction missing. I think David really wanted to communicate here that this is all worth it. I believe the word enemy here could be used to just refer to anyone that is spiritually against you. In other words, your enemy would be anyone that doesn't accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Those people that get drunk/high with their crew every weekend. That spouse that found someone else to satisfy them on the side. That guy who puts everyone else down so that he feels up. That person cheating their taxes to try to keep a little more money for themselves. The guy lying on his timesheet at work in order to sneak out early. (Editorial comment: Nothing listed here is something that God can't forgive if you are seeking Him, but are only examples of lifestyles/habits that are habitual and sinful).
All of those people that are giving into the temptations that you may at times be tempted towards, they're going to be sitting there, watching God bless you. Watching the most powerful King of Kings, I AM, provide for your needs and anoint your head with oil.
For those of you who can't really imagine that with God - think of it with your favorite president. You and your enemy started off with the same opportunities to celebrate with the president at the end. Their choices lead them to temporary happiness and temporary satisfaction. Your choices may lead you away from some events that sound pretty fun, but you're dedicated to the final reward. When the time comes, the president calls you, invites you over for dinner, fulfills your every desire and anoints your head with oil - on TV, so that all your friends can see!
Don't let foolish temptations lead you away from that. Life is so temporary in the face of eternity. Strive forward seeking that 5-star, 4-course, candle-lit dinner with the Father or Fathers and King of Kings, set-up to celebrate His love for you - His child.
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