Some who read this title, (and who study their Bibles!), might possibly think of 1 Corinthians 15:19 - "if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." But, as Paul went on to declare, Christ is risen, and for the true and faithful believer there is no greater joy than to serve the True King! No, these are not the ones this article is concerned with.
Some might possibly consider those who have never obeyed the Gospel. Indeed, many of them are miserable, but we also realize that many of them are not (at least according to worldly standards!). It is written, "For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men. ... Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. ... Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches" (Psalm 73:3-5,7,12). For many, sin is pleasureab1e! They "enjoy the passing pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25). Of course, they are not concerned with the consequences, nor the Judgment that is surely coming! No, these are not the most miserable people on earth!
The most miserable people on earth are those who have "trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace." (Hebrews 10:29) "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6) Consider the misery of Judas!
The most miserable people on earth are those whose conscience has not been completely "seared with a hot iron" (cf. 1 Timothy 4:2); who still feel the weight of the guilt of "knowing to do good" (cf. James 4:17), yet persist in unrighteousness! "For it would have been better for them not to have know the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to his own vomit, and a sow, having washed to her wallowing in the mire."(2 Peter 2:21-22)
The most miserable people on earth are those who:
1) Knowing they should attend every service of the congregation, but choose instead to put first their own desires! "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (Matthew 6:33). "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25). "Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)
2) Knowing they should "visit" the afflicted, but instead view themselves as "afflicted!" "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit ("to look upon, care for, ..." Vine's) orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10). " Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)
3) Knowing they should give back unto God what is rightfully His, but choose instead to squander it on earthly pleasures! "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, ..." (1 Corinthians 16:2). "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
4) Knowing they should be leading their family and friends to Christ, but instead have become friends of the world! "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4) "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
5) Knowing they should stand for the Truth, but instead "tuck their tail" and keep silent! "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3) "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15)
6) Knowing their misery, choose to remain miserable! "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) "And you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." (John 5:40)
7) Knowing their end, yet persist in the path that leads to Hell! "Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:32) "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-27,31)!
These are the most miserable people on earth! Are you one of them?
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ... And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4,7-9)