INSTANT

The rewards of purity are eternal, but they aren't always instant.

I confess that I thought my mom just made this up, then one day I found it in the Bible.  It's in the book of Numbers, which might explain why I didn't find it until I was 37.

But it says in there:  'Be sure your sin will find you out.'  (Numbers 32:23)

Just because you got away with it today, doesn't mean you're going to get away with it tomorrow.  But also, just because you do something right today, doesn't mean you're going to experience instant reward for it tomorrow.  That isn't even why you do it.

Moses never got into the Promised Land.  All those years of faithfulness - struggling with the people as their leader - resolving conflicts - endless meetings and goal setting and making plans - wandering in the desert -- yet he never stepped into the promise.

He got all the way to the corner of it -- right on the border, his toes hanging over the edge -- he could see it -- he could smell it -- he could feel the beautiful breeze on his face -- but God didn't allow him in.

Doesn't seem fair, does it?  Such a good man, Moses.

You can go the route of instant gratification, but it's a shallow, temporary road.  Or you can enjoy a life of greater value where you aren't looking short term, you're looking for the 'out there' reward instead.  The one that lasts ... forever.

And be blessed.