There is None Righteous

The question of why bad things happen to good people is based on a false precept. The bible is clear:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Rom 3:10-11)

Jesus declares, “there is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mar 10:18)  As humbling as it may be - you, I or anyone but God is good. Perhaps a better way to view the conundrum of why bad things happen to good people is why good things happen to bad people.

Sin, not God, is the filter we must use when we see the “bad” of our world. Our “diseases” need to be healed because we are sinners. The creation was free of trouble, sickness and death until sin entered the garden.

The outcome of sin in the garden is the source of all “bad” things in the lives of the people we consider good or bad. The disparity in the lives of God’s people is not at the hands of God; it is the result of living in a fallen world.

Followers of Jesus are not always insulated from the “bad” that befalls the dwellers in this fallen creation. We are not promised protection from the effect sin brings in the lives of people. It does not take a bible scholar to see God’s people do not live in a bubble of protection in this fallen creation. The bible is filled with “bad” things happening to God’s people. We find this recorded in the New Testament:

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Heb 11:36-40)

God’s people do not live a protected life but a blessed life. God can, and does, interrupt the effects of living in this sinful world- but not always. Everyone who lives this side of the second coming of Jesus will die. Some will die soon and others will die later but:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment.” (Heb 9:27)

The Apostle Paul said:

 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Co 4:17-18)

Paul understood living in the blessing of God. He suffered greatly; stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, pursued by his former friends and would forfeit his life. Nothing, not even a coat to protect him from the cold stone of his dungeon that held him until his death.

The “bad” that was heaped upon this Apostle brings out the words of Joseph to his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” (Gen 50:20) Paul continued his words to the church in Corinth with this statement:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Co 4:17-18)

The Apostle Paul was living out the words spoken by his Lord and Saviour Jesus. Jesus said the life of His followers should be focused on God and His Kingdom; not the offerings, good or bad of this world:

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat 6:20-21)

Are you focused on God’s protection over health, wealth or relationships as you live out your life in this sin-broken world? Take Jesus’ advice and look beyond today and not see tomorrow but see God’s Kingdom as the reason for living today’s “bad” or “good.”