"And you will
again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve
God and those who do not."
As we consider the message from Malachi 3:18, I recommend reading the
passages beginning at verse 3:6, as the prior passages provide context for verse 3:18. It
is a basis of faith that we live our lives according to the Lord’s will rather than
the will of the world. The challenge and frustration is that righteousness and justice are
not always common in society, and many appear to be prospering by living in ways contrary
to God’s will. This is not new, but is the state of humanity in a fallen world.
The challenge and blessing to us is that by living our faith, we are
pursuing a righteousness and justice that is beyond anything this world can provide.
Through the actions of our faith, we often find a glimpse of what the Lord’s
distinction will be like, as those who live his word are blessed, as opposed to those who
live the words of the world. From Christ, through his 12 disciples, and enduring for 2000
years, the foundations of the global church have been established and continue to grow.
Through this faith in action the world has become a better place, and each of us are
provided the opportunities to build and practice our faith, and to reach for a greater
goal than this world alone can provide.
