Why do good things KEEP happening to bad people?

Hi everyone. I hope you enjoyed last week’s Growing in Grace devotional. I know I enjoyed writing it. It truly brought back some life experiences that were very challenging for me.

Today’s devotional will be the same. I’m going to answer that very important question – Why do good things KEEP happening to bad people. Thought I wasn’t going to answer that, didn’t you??

Gotcha!

Well, as before, this may be a smidge lengthy – but yet again, if you read it all it will bless your socks off.
Notice I capitalized the word ‘keep’ in the subject line. I did that because that is exactly what seems to happen. Good things just KEEP happening to bad people. They just KEEP getting new cars and KEEP getting new houses and KEEP getting promotions and NEVER get sick. WHEN WILL IT END!! Lol.

Well, first, let’s define what good and bad people are. According to the bible, there are some synonyms for the characteristics of a bad people. The words the bible uses are: wicked, evil doers – Psalm 26:5; unrighteous - Psalm 71:4; ungodly – Proverbs 16:27, II Peter 2:5. Good people are described as such: righteous - Ps. 1:6; just and devout - Luke 2:25. I can think of some “bad” folks as well as some “good” folks. Can you?

God had to really deal with me in this area as I grew in him. I could not understand why the “bad” folks just kept getting “blessed” (now I know that is such an oxymoron). I was doing my best to stay right with God and follow him with all my heart, yet it seemed at every turn bad things just kept happening to me. Then God gave me Psalm 73. I want every one of you to take the time to read this passage of scripture today. If you don’t remember anything else on your agenda today, remember to read Psalm 73.

The passage starts off with the most heart wrenching, gut wrenching, anger inducing, tear provoking words I have ever read: Truly God is good to Israel, even to such that are of a clean heart. Now, these words might not mean anything to you at this time, but when you are in a state of wonder, a state of questioning God and watching your enemies prosper as you suffer, as you are doing your best not to steal to provide for your family while the evil doer is “doing evil”, as you are watching the news and seeing bad folks get off of crimes that the whole world knows they committed….those few words can make your heart twist and turn.

When I read this passage of scripture I was so mad at God that I started to stop at the first line, but when I kept reading, I understood. This world system is set up for the wicked. We, as believers are supposed to walk, talk and live in another kingdom…the kingdom of God. When we put our trust in God and his way of doing things, we learn not to depend on Satan’s kingdom.

Did you know Satan has riches and power that he gives to whom he wants, when he wants?? Luke 4:6 states: And the devil said unto him (Jesus), All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. Yes, ladies and gentleman, Satan promotes people, gives people riches and wealth, keeps them healthy and gives them this world’s treasures. But what people do not know is that it will ultimately cost them their souls!!

This is why Jesus poses this question: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

Ask yourself, what are you willing to exchange your soul for? A car? A house? That man? That woman? That job? Power?

It does not pay to look at the world and ungodly people and desire their possessions. I have never forgotten this scripture - Proverbs 3:31 - Envy not the oppressor and choose none of his ways.

I have learned to never envy anyone. I am content and happy with what God has so graciously provided for me – on the level in which I can handle it. He did not have to give me that much! ‘Cause there was days when this good girl was extremely bad! Lol!

The latter part of Psalm 73 reads: When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Yes, the evil doers are in a big set up. The end of all evil is destruction. And there is no stopping that.

So, be happy. Be content with what you have. If you are taking Septa - smile, cause you could be in a wheel chair. And if you are in a wheel chair - smile, cause you could be on your back stretched out – unable to get up. And if you are on your back unable to get up – smile, cause you could be dead!

Grow in Grace family!