Malachi chapter 3. Is following God really worth it?
God rebukes Israel for robbing him. He says they rob him every time they don't tithe. Every time they keep their tithe and spend it for themselves they rob the Lord. I wonder how much stuff people have in their possessions that was bought with the money that belongs to the Lord?
God also confronts Israel's arrogance because they don't see any value in being obedient to the Lord when they see evil people prospering. But God reminds them how they can't let themselves get caught up with the things of this world. We can't let how well somebody is blessed financially dictate the destination of one's soul. We have to get our thoughts on spiritual things and eternal things. If I prosper then let me use the blessings I have for God's glory. But if I don't prosper that doesn't mean God doesn't love me or thinks less of me. Whether I prosper financially or don't prosper financially, I will endure to the end with my faith. If evil around me prospers I will not let that dictate whether or not I should be faithful to God. Everyone, and I mean everyone, will have to stand before the Lord on Judgment Day. My obedience and faithfulness will determine where I spend eternity. Did I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or did I love this world and all it had to offer instead? How much stuff I had won't mean a thing. I think God will be more concerned on how I used what he blessed me with, whether it was a lot or a little, for his glory?
More importantly, he's going to wonder if I walked in faith with Christ.
I'm sure there will be many who will spend eternity in hell when they stand before God on Judgment Day. We might look at them on this Earth and think how wonderful life is for them but what does it prosper a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in hell? Mark 8:36
Please, don't lose focus of what's really important on this Earth: Christ!
Are you following Him or are you following the world?
Are you robbing God or are you giving him his portion?
Don't forget that Jesus loves you!