Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (Full Version)

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pstrdebi -> Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 6:05:44 PM)

So here is a twist on the age old question of "why to bad things happen to good people"...

I want to hear about the opposite.

I struggle with seeing the drug addict who cares nothing for no-one... especially her children... get a court settlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars from her dad dying that she had nothing to do with all of her life. (a real person... we counseled with her)

I struggle with the wicked, bottom grabbing business man who thrives on his greediness, end up with millions of dollars... and pays his employees poverty wages. (a real person... we knew him and his wife)

I struggle with THE under-age drunk driver who collides head on with another car and receives a check from her insurance company for over $25,000 dollars because she got an owie. (another real person)

These things really tweek my cookies.... and I want to know why...
I know we need to look at their hearts... look at them the way Jesus does, etc.... Yet when you see no change what-so-ever in them... EVER... then I need to ask....

"Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People?"
[>:]



ladyichigo -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 6:16:19 PM)

I often struggle with these kinds questions too.


and the only answer that I'm given is that life just isn't fair.[:@]

Truly, this world we are "passing through" is fallen indeed.



delete123 -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 6:16:40 PM)

Because they serve a different God and eventually their god will not give them what we will have in the end and that is: Eternal life,peace and abounding joy!



mvic -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 6:17:36 PM)

I see your point. It depends really whether we consider these things happening to them as being "good". Some might say they have received their "rewards" in this life and perhaps squandered it into nothing.

I've seen many "bad" people get "good things" in this life.

I neither pity them nor envy them. I let them be to God to deal with. After all He has allowed such "good things" to happen to them for a purpose. I may not understand His motives, but I accept them.



small_creation -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 6:53:29 PM)

To test our belief that we have control in this world. Proverbs 3:5 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;

To stare disbelievingly at the curveball God throws at us, so that life doesn't get predictable and we don't get complacent with our place within it. Zephaniah 1:12 ~ At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’

To remind us that none of us are really good and, and that some are just better at not being good than others. Romans 3:23 ~ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

To reiterate in our belief set that the wicked will not inherit the earth...just some perks while they're here. Proverbs 16:16 ~ How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

To look up and say and admit that He knows why, even if we don't. Job 37:5 ~ God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.

Any of these work for you? If not, take two Tylenols and pray for it to end soon.[&:]

j



delete123 -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 7:13:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: small_creation
Any of these work for you? If not, take two Tylenols and pray for it to end soon.[&:]
j



ROTFL! That is priceless [:D]



SonInMe1 -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 7:22:29 PM)

If...there is no such thing as a good person...wouldn't the opposite be true as well?

Does God differentiate between a rapist..and a liar? Men do these things, not God.

A drug addict is a very sick person whose illnesses manifest themselves as drug use. Its easy to say..well there goes a druggie...and look at all the bad things they do. Its not so easy to say the same of people we admire...our spouse....our pastor...and they are not perfect either.

I am glad good things happen to bad people. It gives me the opportunity to have good things happen to me too. I know me. I presume...you know you too.



small_creation -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/19/2008 10:49:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

If...there is no such thing as a good person...wouldn't the opposite be true as well?



You caught that, did you you smartie smart smart? (Really, you picked up on what I intentionally left out.) A hang up that I didn't want to justify, so I sluffed it out of the last part of the sentence. Still thinking...

Jesus did say there is no one who does good, not even one.

j



Little_1 -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/20/2008 8:53:55 AM)

Re: OP - Yes – I know what you mean! Sometimes things we see in life seem back-to-front, unfair and downright upsetting! It is in times as such that I have had to make a conscious effort to trust in God’s wisdom and leave such wonderings with Him. It is not easy but it’s the only way I can maintain a right relationship with God. I can also choose to pray that God becomes a part of such people's lives and changes them into the kind of person He wants them to be. There's a text which comes to mind which says, "He who has been forgiven much loves much." What a testimony such would be to the Lord if someone (whose previous life was known to be 'wicked') turned to the Lord and had their hearts and lives renewed by His Holy Spirit. [:)]

I am taking this medicine here regarding a personal situation! It tastes horrible at first (so to speak) but it doesn't taste so bad as I'm getting used to it. I am hoping for a good outcome. However, I am also aware that if such people continually resist God's Holy Spirit then, let the unrepentant enjoy their ‘freedom’ and ‘prosperity’ and 'unfair practices' in the meantime – it is but temporary and short lived in the bigger picture! Their ways do not go unnoticed by God and it is Him they will have to give an account to one day.



rcjames -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/20/2008 9:46:17 AM)

Stuff happens.

Being a bad person has no influence on some good or some bad things happiening to that person.

Being a good person has no influence on some good or some bad things happening to that person.

Even being a Christian is not a shield against bad things or an inducement for good things; stuff just happens as we live in a fallen world.

Being a Christian give a person the ability through Christ to handle all the sutuations; good and bad.

Thanks
RC



ta_mosquito -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/20/2008 10:17:14 AM)

Psalm 73?



humbleinspirit -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/20/2008 10:32:15 AM)

Posting semi-blindly, this world is not our own, so those who are Christians will not really be rewarded in this life per say, whereas the one who hasn't accepted Christ will get all that he gets in this life instead.



deliveredarling -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/20/2008 4:33:00 PM)

I can see how irritating these things are. Unfortunately some of us are born with an overactive sense of justice. I happen to be one of those people too! I can certainly get my knickers in a knot at times![:D]

However trite this may sound, it brings me comfort (eventually).

"Vengeance is mine saith the Lord."

I have to trust that. What looks like a really bad deal to me, may certainly turn out to be the very best thing that person needed for the Lord to go to work on them. Most of the time, we don't get to see the outcome. (That one irritates me too[>:])

Sometimes, I would really like for the Lord to do things my way, because in my mind I have the perfect sense of right and wrong. My punishment would surely teach them a lesson that they wouldn't soon forget.[:D]

Then I am reminded that I'm just not that big, not that powerful and that I am just a creation like the very one I want to punish. That, that person should receive from me the grace and mercy that Christ extended to me, in spite of myself.

I'll be very honest here, I get frustrated with God for not doing something quick! I'll be hurting over a situation while some punk is enjoying the highlife.


I used to be that punk enjoying the literal high life.

Thank you Lord for your never ending Grace and Mercy.



raivyne -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/23/2008 12:42:51 PM)

I dunno if anyone will get my logic on this but...

everyone has a chance to walk away from their sinful life until the day they die. On Judgement day we will all be judged for the fruits of our life works. It would seem that not allowing good things to happen to "bad" people and not allowing bad things to happen to "good" people would be passing early judgement... So until Judgement day we all have an equal shot at good or bad things occuring in our lives. Just my thoughts.



LCannon -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/23/2008 1:21:07 PM)

quote:

Stuff happens.
...
Being a Christian give a person the ability(opportunity to respond in obedience/love)through Christ to handle all the situations; good and bad.

Thanks
RC


Romans 9:14-"So, what is our lot, to remain trapped in ourselves and to be judged? Is Jehovah’s justice unjust? 15 He said to Moses, "I will have mercy and compassion on whom I have compassion" [based on our response to Christ’s atonement]. 16 So it doesn’t depend on man’s will or a man who tries to escape judgment but on a God who has mercy and shows mercy. 17 For God said to Pharaoh, "I, Jehovah, installed you in glory to demonstrate My power in you. Regardless of your response, you proclaimed My Name throughout the whole known world."

"...As the world watches, these people persevere. They live, love, trust and obey Him. Eventually the world is forced to say, "How great their God must be to inspire this kind of loyalty." ( Joni Eareckson Tada )



allisonbrett -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 6:15:06 PM)

Why do good things happen to bad people and visa versa, bad things happen to good people. An age old question. I guess you could say "that's life for you!" Nothing makes sense, at least we were are concerned. God sees the bigger picture and knows the ins and outs of why he allows things to happen.

Basically, bad things happen because we live in a fallen world. We may think of the $$$ for the addict as a good thing but in reality it gives them more than enough rope to hang themselves (spiritually speaking). Ask many of those who have won the lottery. In many cases it ruined their lives and destroyed families. They were greedy and their god was money and things. So inheriting a lot of money may be more of a curse than a blessing.

We are not promised fairness but we all know judgment will follow. I believe God allows us to endure things for a greater purpose. Sometimes we can use those experiences to help others struggling with similar things, sometimes it will lead others to Him or could it merely be the consequences of our choices.

I think God allows us our share of struggles to keep us reliant upon Him. If we were mega-rich we may fall into that same trap and begin to feel very self-sufficient and disregard God. Then money is a hinderance and not a blessing when we begin to trust more in what's in our bank accounts than in the Lord.

IN reality, only God knows the entire truth of why things happen. We can question but may never know the reason. For those who are evil, this world is the best they will ever see but for those of us who belong to the Lord, this world is the worst we will ever see.



LCannon -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 6:40:11 PM)

Seven Suffers-Why do your people suffer personally, Lord? Here’s at least seven reasons:

1. Because of my personal neglect. Peter tells us there is no value in suffering which is caused by our own foolishness.

2. Taking a Stand for truth and righteousness. Peter, again, say, “But if you suffer for righteousness sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled."

3. I suffer for Sin in my life. Since I have come into the “liberty of obedience” to Christ’s blood the refusal to deal with sin, personally, is an affront to that very blood that redeemed me. God must confront that attitude and he will judge me.

4. “Do not be deceived; God will not be mocked. Whatever a person sows, that crop must be harvested and consumed.” I suffer for my unwise choices.

A fifth reason can be for some higher Purpose of God which he doesn’t always reveal to me. I would like to think you have a high purpose, Lord but I still struggle with your providence.

6. Throughout history Christians have suffered for their Faith in Christ’s martyrdom. We are so tied to this existence that it seems like life itself but our citizenship is not of this world.

Finally but not exclusively, “For whom the Lord loves he chastens and scourges very son that he receives.” I suffer discipline as I am refined to conform more closely to your will.

Purge my walk with you, Lord.
----------------------------------------
Micah 7:3 reads: “Concerning evil, both hands do it well . . . But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord . . . Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light and I will see His righteousness.

Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in His unchanging love.”



d4nnyb0y02 -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 6:54:08 PM)

Simply... Nothing bad ever happens to good people. And, nothing bad happens to bad people...

Inconvenient things and difficult things happen to all people.

God, however, is good all the time--as are ALL the ways He deals with men and women ("good" or "bad" as we may be).



pstrdebi -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 8:56:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: small_creation

To test our belief that we have control in this world. Proverbs 3:5 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;

To stare disbelievingly at the curveball God throws at us, so that life doesn't get predictable and we don't get complacent with our place within it. Zephaniah 1:12 ~ At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’

To remind us that none of us are really good and, and that some are just better at not being good than others. Romans 3:23 ~ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

To reiterate in our belief set that the wicked will not inherit the earth...just some perks while they're here. Proverbs 16:16 ~ How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

To look up and say and admit that He knows why, even if we don't. Job 37:5 ~ God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.

Any of these work for you? If not, take two Tylenols and pray for it to end soon.[&:]

j


HA!!!! [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]



pstrdebi -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 9:02:05 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

Re: OP - Yes – I know what you mean! Sometimes things we see in life seem back-to-front, unfair and downright upsetting! It is in times as such that I have had to make a conscious effort to trust in God’s wisdom and leave such wonderings with Him. It is not easy but it’s the only way I can maintain a right relationship with God. I can also choose to pray that God becomes a part of such people's lives and changes them into the kind of person He wants them to be. There's a text which comes to mind which says, "He who has been forgiven much loves much." What a testimony such would be to the Lord if someone (whose previous life was known to be 'wicked') turned to the Lord and had their hearts and lives renewed by His Holy Spirit. [:)]

I am taking this medicine here regarding a personal situation! It tastes horrible at first (so to speak) but it doesn't taste so bad as I'm getting used to it. I am hoping for a good outcome. However, I am also aware that if such people continually resist God's Holy Spirit then, let the unrepentant enjoy their ‘freedom’ and ‘prosperity’ and 'unfair practices' in the meantime – it is but temporary and short lived in the bigger picture! Their ways do not go unnoticed by God and it is Him they will have to give an account to one day.


Absolutely!

It is by "Christ in me" that I have to leave those folks to their own... and allow God to deal with them. In my flesh, I want to see justice served imediately and am ready and willing to help that procedure along. [:D]



pstrdebi -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/24/2008 9:13:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LCannon

Micah 7:3 reads: “Concerning evil, both hands do it well . . . But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord . . . Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light and I will see His righteousness.

Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in His unchanging love.”


Powerful.
[;)]



rcjames -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/26/2008 2:38:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: raivyne

I dunno if anyone will get my logic on this but...

everyone has a chance to walk away from their sinful life until the day they die. On Judgement day we will all be judged for the fruits of our life works. It would seem that not allowing good things to happen to "bad" people and not allowing bad things to happen to "good" people would be passing early judgement... So until Judgement day we all have an equal shot at good or bad things occuring in our lives. Just my thoughts.


Excellent exergesis of;

(1Co 10:13) No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it.

Thanks
RC



GraceBro -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/27/2008 1:18:34 AM)

quote:

"Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People?"


Because we are all bad people. What did Jesus say?

"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone." Mark 10: 17-18

None of us are God. Therefore, none of us are good. All the more reason to be thankful for the salvation we have in the saving life of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace



pstrdebi -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/27/2008 9:37:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GraceBro

quote:

"Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People?"


Because we are all bad people. What did Jesus say?

"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone." Mark 10: 17-18

None of us are God. Therefore, none of us are good. All the more reason to be thankful for the salvation we have in the saving life of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace


I understand what you are trying to say... However, this is one of those areas where we are picking and choosing verses in order to make a point. The verse you are refering to had more to do with the man understanding WHO he was talking to... God in the flesh rather than a "teacher"... than the idea of goodness. God tells us in His Word over and over again...
"... be a good soldier of Jesus Christ."... 2 Tim 2:3
"... love your enemies, do good..." ... Luke 6:35
"... overcome evil with good..." .... Romans 12:21
"... be fruitful in every good work..." ... Col 1:10
and so on and so on...
Gal 5:22 wouldn't outline derectives for us to be "filled with the fruits of the Spirit"... which includes "goodness"... if God did not expect us to attain it.

We are to strive for excellence (that scripture escapes me right now...) and goodness is a part of that.



GraceBro -> RE: Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People??? (9/28/2008 5:44:50 PM)

I respectfully disagree. From the perspective of the individual that called Jesus "good teacher," he is using the same definition of good that you used in your OP. And that is that their are "good" people. Those, by human definition, we believe to be good (i.e. somebody who has done something benificial to us or mankind). But, from God's perspective there are no good people. The fruit of the Spirit that is revealed in our walk with the Lord, as you alluded to above, is not the same thing as whether or not we are "good" people to begin with. Besides, the drug addict you call bad in your example, may not benefit from inheriting all that money. That money could be a curse, as much as it is a blessing, because it affords the addict more resources in which to endulge the sin they are already trapped in. Furthermore, we are not to judge ourselves by others. I would presume if you had come into a large some of money you wouldn't view it as something good happening to a bad person, right? After all, you're not a drug addict, a bottom-grabbing businessman or an underaged drinker, so you are not bad by your own definition. We all think we are "good" people.Therefore, we are the ones deserving of "good" things happening to us.

"All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:12

If no one does good that means nobody is good. Because goodness can only come from an ultimate source of good. And that source is God. Anything we do that is good, from God's perspective, is only what He has done through us. Like I said before, if we were good, that means we are God, and only God is good. That is something none of us can ever be.

Grace and Peace



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