Founded by Bryant Wright, Right from the Heart is a
daily injection of truth, reminding you about what
matters most in life. Basically, we cut the fluff and
get right to the point.
Why Do Good Things Happen to Bad People? Jan 08 2009
"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills." - Psalm 73:3-5
I had lunch with a man who mentioned that something was really bugging him. "I really don't have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices - even good ones - have bad results. I'm actually OK with that."
"Then what is bugging you?" I asked.
"Well, I don't understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?" I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. "And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?"
"Well, let's see," I began. "You say this man is an atheist?" He nodded. "And, if I'm not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?" Again he nodded. "So here is a man with a miserable family life and - unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ - will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?" I continued. "Let me ask you something. Despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?"
"No way. Not even for a second," he replied.
Would you?
1-MinuteDaily Devotions
You are reading a Daily Devotion from Right From The Heart. We invite you to share it, leave a comment, and subscribe to the daily email or RSS feed.
Subscribe to the Daily Devotion
We send out the devotion terribly early every morning. Enter your email address to get on the list.
Recent Devotions
| Wed, May 16 | Prayer And The Varsity |
| Tue, May 15 | There's No Going Back |
| Mon, May 14 | We Can Forgive! (6) |
| Sun, May 13 | Mother's Day |
| Sat, May 12 | Letting Go Of Our Children Is Hard (1) |
| Fri, May 11 | How Much Is Enough? (3) |
| Thu, May 10 | What If? (19) |
5 Comments
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindThank you Bryant. That was put absolutely perfect.Amen to that.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindThis devotional hits the nail on the head and makes you stop and think.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindSo atheists are 'bad people'? Or just this particular atheist? Who is he referring to anyway? Didn't somebody once say we should call no one good?
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindBrings to mind the "Parable of the Shrewd Manager".
And, no Eric, "none are righteous - no not one". If everyone got Justice, we would all go to hell. What the Christian can be assured of is Mercy.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindThe unforgivable sin is to reject God's gift of salvation, and that would apply to any atheist, or anyone else that is not truly interested in a relationship with God. I also think God probably does reserve a special place in hell for those who make it their goal in life to draw others away from him. The good news is, even atheists like Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens can repent and be forgiven.