Wages, Work, and the Provider: Understanding God’s Hand Over All
In the tapestry of biblical theology, there is a striking reality: the sun rises on the evil and the good, and the rain falls on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). This concept often puzzles believers who feel that their faithfulness should grant them an exclusive monopoly on earthly success.
However, the Bible suggests that God’s role as Creator involves a level of provision for all humanity, while His role as Father involves a specific intimacy for His people.
1. The "Wages" of the World: Common Grace
There is a specific biblical principle regarding work and reward that applies to every human being. In Ecclesiastes 3:13, it is noted that "that everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God."
* The Law of Harvest: God has woven laws into the universe. If a "sinner" plants a field with excellence and diligence, God honors the natural law of the harvest. Their "wages" are a result of God’s established order.
* The Purpose of Provision: Why does God give the "ungodly" jobs and wealth? Romans 2:4 suggests that "God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." His provision is often a form of "long-suffering," giving people the space and resources to recognize the Giver behind the gift.
2. The Covenant Relationship: Jews and Christians
While God acts as a Benefactor to the world, the Bible describes Him as a Covenant-Keeper to the Jewish people and the Christian Church. This is the shift from Common Grace to Special Grace.
The Jewish People: The Root of the Promise
For the Jewish people, God’s treatment is rooted in an "everlasting covenant" (Genesis 17:7).
* National Identity: God’s provision for the Jews is often tied to His reputation and His promise to Abraham.
* The Land and the Law: Historically and biblically, God’s relationship with Israel involves specific "blessings and curses" tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28). He treats them as a chosen "firstborn," which often involves both high favor and strict discipline.
The Christian: The Spirit of Adoption
For the Christian, the relationship moves from the "Law" to "Sonship."
* Not Just Wages, but Inheritance: While a worker earns wages, a child receives an inheritance. Christians are told not to worry about "what they will eat or wear" because their Father knows they need them (Matthew 6:32).
* Discipline as Love: Hebrews 12:6 notes that "the Lord disciplines the one he loves." While a "sinner" might flourish in their ways without correction, a Christian often faces "pruning" to produce more fruit. God treats the believer with an eye toward their eternal character, not just their earthly comfort.
3. Comparing the Treatments
| Group | Nature of Provision | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| All People (Common Grace) | Wages, sun, rain, and natural success. | Kindness leading to repentance; sustaining creation. |
| The Jewish People | Covenantal protection and prophetic fulfillment. | Faithfulness to the promise made to the Patriarchs. |
| Christians | Spiritual fruit, "Daily Bread," and eternal security. | The love of a Father for an adopted child. |
The "Half Full" Perspective for the Believer
If you see someone who disregards God "succeeding" while you struggle, it is easy to feel the glass is half empty. However, the biblical perspective is that "wages" are temporary, but "inheritance" is permanent.
The "sinner" may have a full glass today, but it is a glass that cannot be refilled once it is drained. For the believer and the covenant-person, the glass is connected to a Living Fountain that never runs dry, regardless of how much is currently in the cup.
God bless you for those who fall in the categoryof: "the prosperity of the wicked" (like Psalm 73
