I have to admit I was in shock and appalled as I watched the horrific news of the blasts that went off during the Boston marathon. I was literally sick to my stomach.
I wonder why I was shocked. This is nothing new. In fact, unfortunately, it’s becoming quite common. People are sick. We live in a fallen world. Terrible, I know.
But, why are we surprised when these things occur?
K Belle and I were discussing it and her questions as to why this happens provoked this answer from me: “We shouldn’t expect Non-Christians to act like Christians.”
She said, “Well, they could at least act morally.”
Yes, they could. But, why?
Why should they?
Well, they should because it’s the “right thing to do” in our minds. But, if they have no higher authority to answer to then, really … why should they?
I do believe that God does create in us a compassion for people, a love, a tenderness. But, there’s also sin from the fall, which creates a hatred for people and a desire to just please ourselves without care for anyone else.
We should never expect non-believers to have the same values we have nor to act the same way.
That’s why I do not understand when Christians ban companies that are run by people that don’t believe the same way they do. We judge EVERYONE by our standards, by the things we know to be truth from the Word of God.
It’s like expecting cats to act like dogs. They’re not the same. Yes, there are similarities, but a cat can’t be a dog & vice-versa. However, we should expect the dog to act like a dog. Get it?
We should expect morality, righteousness, love, and compassion from Christians! That doesn’t always happen of course, because we are all, at the end of the day, humans. But, if you claim to be a Christian, you are held to a higher standard and are called to meet certain expectations handed down by God Himself.
So, stop expecting righteousness from those who never claimed to be righteous or who have a desire to be righteous in the first place.
Instead … pray, love, and stand up for truth. (Just don’t expect non-believers to do the same.)
I find this really interesting. Why should we not expect Non-Christians to act like Christians? They may have different reasons for their actions, but if something is good, surely the majority of people would recognise that, no matter where they are on their spiritual journey?
Also, do we not believe that God is just as much at work in the lives of those who don't believe, as He is in those who do? Otherwise, we humans have the power to restrict God, and that can't be right! Surely God is working in all of our lives and we have the daily choice to reject or accept, whatever our mood, background, or beliefs.
(I should probably state for the record that my husband was a believer and has lost his faith, but is supportive of me and the children in our faith).
Ah, Baroness … how I love you! Thanks for always bringing a new perspective.
I do believe that God is at work in the world, but so is Satan. The Bible says he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he shall devour. It also calls him the prince of this world. So he definitely plays a part in all this.
God can move on the heart of anyone, but it is up to the person to be open to that. God doesn't force Himself on anyone.
God is all that is good and true. For us to try to recognize what that is apart from Him is futile. We can try. And, there are people in the world that do right things. I'm just saying we shouldn't expect it from non-believers.
When it happens … YAY! But, when it doesn't, we shouldn't act surprised.
Praying that your husband will come around. 🙂