We are the problem

What's wrong with the economy?

What's wrong with the moral fabric in America?

What's wrong with the political system?

What's wrong with education?

What's wrong with kids?

The answer is simple - US.  We are the problem.  Namely - Christians.  Think that's harsh?  Think about it.

Good People - Why do bad things happen

Over the last few days I've been pondering these questions - "Why do bad things happen to good people" and "Why does God allow bad things to happen".

The answer is not what you want to hear.  It's as bad as telling people that the reason Americans are in such bad shape economically is because of ... well US - Americans.  But that's another topic.

The general principle is that people are generally good.  How could a "good" God, allow bad things to happen to "good" people.  I've realized that the question behind the question is more important.  Are we a good people?  Is God good?

Good people - it really depends on whose eyes you look through.  If I look through my eyes, I see lots of really good people.  They are good because I deem them good.  I think they are better than most (or better than myself) in several categories that I choose.  Maybe that's giving, serving, using manors, having honesty, being ethical, etc.  But it's basically something arbitrary that I come up with.   What's the standard?

Good God - once again it depends on the standard, it also depends on the God.  I firmly believe there only one God, the God of Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, Israel, and me.  This is not Allah.  Let's just assume that God is good, and as part of being a good God, he is also Just.  As a just God, there is a standard for right/wrong and consequences.

Good people? - now if we look at God's standard for judging goodness things change a bit.  Let's assume again that God uses the 10 commandments as a standard.  Now that really changes things.  If the standard is keep all the commandments to be "good", then I'd have to say we've all told a lie, stolen, or at least lusted (adultery in the eyes of Jesus) - not to mention taking the name of God in vain.  So maybe we aren't quite as good as we thought.

So the question being to take shape - what would you want to happen to "bad" people?  Do you put them in prison, fine them, deport them, or execute them?  I'm sure there are several things you want to do for "bad" people, but you certainly wouldn't want to reward them.

If we aren't good, then we must be bad.  When bad things happen to bad people, is that fair?  I would say when a law breaker is punished, that is justice.  Who determines the sentence - the judge.  

In viewing the world, maybe we should starting thinking in terms of when bad things happen we - as bad people, are getting what we deserve.  Tornado, hurricane, fire, and even death are all justified punishments for a bad people.  Maybe, just maybe, we should starting thinking that any part of life itself is something we don't deserve, and only by the Grace of God are we allowed to partake.  Now that would change the way you think about life.