At times, we may have a hard time understanding why evildoers or atheists prosper. It just doesn't seem fair. They don't have a set of standards by which to govern themselves. At times they seem to have the best cars, houses, prosperity in their careers, health, etc. While many Christians, who are devout believers, find themselves almost struggling to maintain their livelihoods. It appears as though they rarely pay for their crimes or misdoings, and they live conscious-free in a life of comfort and sin. They even know what sin is, but do not care.
It's perspective.
Firstly, this type of prosperity is the world’s definition. Our society, especially western civilizations, is corrupt. The things that are valued are material. If we focus on the things of God, His purpose for us, and have a Kingdom mentality then we see the fallacy in that sort of prosperity. Kingdom mindedness focuses on relationships... with God, family, and others. Prosperity in the health of relationships should be sough after, and valued.
Secondly, it is God’s desire that none be lost, so He extends grace to all. (See 2 Peter 3:8-9) In short, we all are given time to recognize who God is. God gives them time to recognize who they are, turn from their sins, and turn to Him. The same passage of scripture talks about the difference between being infinite and being finite. (A major difference between us and God) Because we cannot really understand what eternity means, Peter writes it as "a day is like 1000 years to the Lord and 1000 years are like one day". Think about that for a moment... Once we get past the fact that we have no clue how God exists outside of, yet throughout time ...the conclusion that one comes to is that we have no clue how patient God is.
We find this written in Nahum 1:3 "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm…” God’s long-suffering is a result of His love for mankind. He is certainly a loving God. He is also a just God. Because God even loves those we consider to be bad people, he affords them opportunities to be saved. When He determines their time is up He punishes them. Sometimes he uses the whirlwind and the storm as tools. (Can anyone say amen to that?) Our goal as Christians should be to let our light shine as brightly as possible so that they become changed, attacked to that light, and not in that “guilty” number.
We love you and we are praying for you.
~SALT, pastor Erroyl and Sis Pinky
Sis. Pinky's Prayer:
Father, we pray for the lost. We ask that You would soften their hearts and get them to see the error of their ways. Please send us, your ambassadors, to the lost so that all will have an opportunity to repent and have a secure standing in eternity.
We thank you for being a patient and loving God with us all, and for the great reward we'll receive in glory.
In Jesus' Name we pray,
Amen
So interesting that you post this - - - I had that same though {your title} just yesterday on my commute home......I often feel that those who are evil and nobelivers seem to prosper and achieve more. I know it's only earthly, but still hurts, especially when you deal with it in on a daily basis. Keep giving us the word that teaches and streghtens! Love you both!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely understand. God is faithful, we haveto live in His timing and our own time. And he blesses us the way we need; not necessarily the way we want
DeleteWe, christians, shouldnt compare ourselves to nonbelievers anyway. Their tests and steps are different than ours. I cant speak on evildoers. Nonbelievers, i feel, prosper bc they work hard just like we do. Some are kind, gracious and forgiving just like us. Our goals are different though. I look at is as we're a step ahead because we already have faith and believe so our obstacles appear differently. We may be challenged to keep faith when struggling w illness or finances, whereas the nonbeliever is simply challenged to believe period. And yes i agree that its earthly. We cant get wrapped up in what the world says prosperity is. As long as we go through what we push through w God, stomp all doubt that He cant do it, Rejoice in the good and the bad, we are made stronger and wiser in Him. Thats prosperity by itself.
ReplyDeleteI dunno why it says unknown lol its me :) bayboo
DeleteVery well said, and that perspective is wisdom. One of the issues is that Christians do compare themselves to nonbelievers. That's human nature. So, you're correct, at the same time is an issue that still many people have to deal with. I believe, a better perspective would be to say that we should not compare ourselves with anyone else. Our relationship with God is just that
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