Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 112, 1.
How people are encouraged and cheered on in present day society: top sports personalities, actors, and actresses, politicians, singers, even successful businessmen! They appear to lead an enviable life, having a lot of power, being rich and admired. What is forgotten is that beauty, wealth and fame are regarded very differently by God. If someone dies in his sins, he stands before his Creator as a pauper stripped of everything. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5, 10).
As Christians we have a totally different objective for our life: we seek our Lord’s approval. Moreover, we know that most God-fearing people do not stand in the limelight of the world. They serve the Lord, their family and other believers quietly and faithfully.
Psalm 112 shows what distinguishes a person in the sight of God: He fears Him and wishes to obey His Word (v.1). He is gracious, compassionate and just towards his fellowmen (v.4). He does not seek his own advantage but deals generously (v.5). In all difficulties his trust in the Lord is unshakeable (v.7). Let us ask ourselves what we value more: God’s approval or the praise of men?