I'd like to put forward the thought that these people are most probably blessed by the devil. They may not know it; but they are benefiting from his bounty and protection.
In the beginning God created Angels, and one of them rebelled and was allowed to leave Paradise together with his followers. God in His infinite love did not destroy them there and then, but He allowed them to exist as spirits roaming the earth to do their will. He gave them the same free will which He has gifted all of us since the creation of life. We too have the free will to choose right from wrong and to deny the very existence of God, if we wish.
In order to tempt people into his way of thinking the devil often showers good fortune on certain people; those he can influence to be his ambassadors on earth. Let's face it, we are more likely to listen to and try to emulate another human being than an invisible malevolent spirit. There is no need for the devil to walk around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) He is more subtle than that. If he were to appear as a threatening monster we'd be so frightened that we'd all run into the arms of Christ. Which is self-defeating from his point of view. He is far cleverer than that and he makes us believe that he does not exist even. The word "devil" is just a euphemism for being naughty; it's a fun word. He doesn't really exist.
Having lulled us into a false sense of security, the devil then tempts certain people very much in the same way he tried to tempt Christ in the desert. If he had the audacity to tempt the Son of God we shouldn't be much of a challenge to him. He showers those people with opportunities to be successful, prominent, famous and in a position to influence others. It's pointless for him to spend time putting doubts and fears and confusion in the minds of people already susceptible to his thinking and wiles. They are already "on his side", so to speak. So he saves these tricks for those who believe in God and rewards his followers with good things in exchange for their services. The irony is that these very people do not know what they are doing, and most probably don't believe in the existence of the devil himself, as well as God; such is his skill in trickery.
And God allows it to happen. To intervene and to stop the devil would mean God taking away the devil's freedom, as well as our freedom, to choose right from wrong. Having gifted us all free-will God does not take it back.
It is up to each one of us to choose the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
In the meantime many are sleep-walking their way into hell.
...I believe that successful people take their God given talents and run with them.
ReplyDeleteYes they do Tom; but many do not admit (or believe) that they are God given talents. They think they are "self-made" men and all their talents are up to them.
DeleteGod bless.
Victor: I could not imagine anyone being upset over this amazing post, I have been asked many times why I believe in a God someone who I have never seen in person, I tell people I would rather believe in God here on earth and die find out he did not exist than to not believe die and find out he is real, many people walk away with a very concerned look on their face, hopefully they went on their merry way and started thinking maybe there is a God and I need to believe and not just believe, but receive the Body and Blood of our Lord, hopefully that is the case.
ReplyDeleteGods Blessings on you and your family
Catherine
Thank you so much for your sensible comment, Catherine. You have in fact summarised the views I've expressed in my latest book "How to get to Heaven ... Or your money back." I say there that many people who do not believe in God will come face to face with God and say "Ooopps ... Sorry!"
DeleteGod bless you always.
I once worked with a person who didn't believe in God. I don't remember what we were talking about but when he said he didn't, I was shocked. I just can't understand, it's sad. Maybe the people around you growing up have a big influence on your beliefs. I was always around people who believe in God, and I'm happy about that.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Bill. Either he was influenced by non-believing parents or just did not get Christian education at home or school. Its happening more now.
DeleteGod bless you.
I never thought about the topic this way. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy. God bless.
DeleteYou are accurately describing so many people in both our countries, Victor, and dare I say, around the world. Let the devil have his minions, but we all know he loses in the end.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
The tragedy is that many people do not realise what they are doing by their unbelieving behaviour. They are consciously and willingly choosing their own destiny.
DeleteGod bless you, Martha.
thecontemplativecat here You nailed the ongoing desecration of God's love very well. I know some of those people, relatives whom I have known for 50 years. Why do these people close their eyes to truth but welcome the Prince of the Air? I wonder when will be the result of the attacks on Israel be? Can almost hear the trumpet.
ReplyDeleteWe're living in a secular world, Susan, where it is fashionable and trendy not to believe in God.
DeleteGod bless.
❤️
ReplyDelete——Cheerful Monk
God bless, Cheerful Monk.
Delete... "sleepwalking" into hell. I agree with you completely, Victor. This was a good post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Barbara. God bless.
DeleteBrilliant point of view! I think you've hit a bullseye, and will be sharing this with my Bible study friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mevely, for sharing this article with your Bible study group. Much appreciated, my friend.
DeleteGod bless always.
Interesting theory. The Good Lord also, according to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, sends rain (blessings) on the just and the unjust. It's sad, but blessings in this short life are all some people are going to get.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Mimi. Some do not realise the blessings they receive from God.
DeleteGod bless.
I agree with all you wrote.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, K.
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