18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,
    but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18 ESV)

It often seems like the one who is willing to do anything is the most likely to succeed. The problem is that anyone who desires righteousness will take into account not only their success but the success of others. But what a great problem to have.

Those whose desire is to first look out for others reaps not only the reward of doing the right thing, but heavenly rewards as well. God does not forget those who make it their life’s desire to build up those around them. He sees and knows the heart and will make the way right for those who do.

Yes, the key to our salvation lies in a personal relationship with Christ. But that relationship should make us want to do good for our selves and others. You may say, “people in church can be selfish.” Of course they can! They are broken and fallen and sometimes self gets in the way. But as a whole I have not found this to be true. The brotherhood typically works together for each other’s good return.

Yes, the wicked prosper. They are of this world and the world loves them. We are not of this world and we are loved at a much more universal level. Sowing righteousness is its own just reward.