Over the years I have come across a phenomena in the Western world which I would like to call "Christian atheism". It is very sobering to see that among believers, faith in Jesus and the teachings of the bible are accepted as truth in theory, yet when it comes to real life events and circumstances, they are not actually believed and applied. This whole issue I have come to observe could fill a book in itself, but right now I would like to focus on something I have observed as being very common (sadly) in our Christian lives, even as I was growing up in a Christian home in Germany.
We sometimes come across a difficult circumstance or a problem in our lives. A lost purse or key. A health issue. Financial struggles. We pray and ask God to intervene and help us. "Lord, help me find my lost purse. - Heal me from having these stomach cramps. - I'm struggling financially, help me to balance my books."
So we pray. And God answers. We get our purse back. We come across someone who recommends a natural remedy that stops our stomach pain. We get a surprising money gift. And what is our reaction many times? We rejoice... and just get on with life. Or, even worse: We analyse the situation, saying: "Well, yes I prayed, but the solution would have come 'naturally' anyway, it wasn't necessarily God."
In view of what the actual truth is, I find this attitude rather sad, at times even sickening. Let's take a look at what the Word of God says:
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16-17
"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17God made EVERY thing. Every particle, cell, quantum, and every invisible thing, too. The world and everything in it only functions in perfect balance because He is the One holding it all together. The very breath we breathe was given by God. And every good thing, whether small or big, comes from Him, too.
The kindness, generosity and goodness of God goes much further than we could ever understand in our little human minds:
"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:45
Whether human beings deserve it or not, and whether they are aware of it or not... They receive His kindnesses and blessings every single day in countless different ways.
If every single good thing is from God anyway, we would actually have reason to thank Him every day, all the time, for an innumerable amount of things - let alone, for HIMself -, even before He has answered a single one of our prayers. He controls every thing. Therefore, whatever circumstance comes to your aid or blessing, He allowed it - He holds it all in hand!
So - what is wrong with us?... Romans 1:21 explains:
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Here it is... our thinking has become futile - meaning: useless! - and our foolish hearts are darkened, they have become cold and hard.
We clearly have got a major problem. The good news is: There is help. God has given us everything through Jesus... not only the forgiveness of sins so we have access to heaven after we die, but on top of this God is wanting to give us the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and a soft heart (Ezekiel 36:26) that is able to acknowledge Him rightly and hear Him well - believing hearts that trust Him and understand our utter dependence on Him.
Let's not be hesitant to be grateful - we could never, ever be grateful enough to God for all He is and does for us. Worship and thanksgiving is to be as natural to us as breathing. We could never be too grateful too quickly, or be grateful enough, even if we never slept again and thanked Him 24/7 for the rest of our lives!
Father God, transform our hearts and minds today. Thank you that your truth sets us free. Help us not take anything good for granted, especially your very presence. Amen.
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