The Right Question

“Do You Believe in God?” is the Wrong Question

A national poll reports that nine out of ten people believe in God. I thought that was great until I thought: If 90% of people believe in God, then why is there such turmoil in our world, our country, our town and our families? World chaos and a peace-loving God, when compared, did not seem to add up to nine out of ten people believing in God. Then it dawned on me what the problem was: believing in God and practicing what God teaches are two different things.

The question: Do you believe in God? is the wrong question. The question should be: Do you live by the teachings God holds out to you? I estimate this question would have much lower numbers. Why?

1. People have a vague concept of the God they believe in, and do not know what His teachings are because they do not read the Bible; therefore, they cannot act on them.
2. People believe in God, but think He is not relevant to their life today because the Bible was written so many years ago.
3. People believe in God, but think they are unlovable, and unworthy of the grace God gives. They say, “How could God love me in my mess?”
4. People believe in God, but do not want to give up the sins they know are contrary to God, so they suppress their nagging conscience. 
5. People believe in God, but don’t have time for Him and don’t believe He has time for them.
6. People must think that God micro-manages every detail of our lives when they say, “How could a loving God allow…?” It is impossible for God to allow free will and also only make good things happen. 

Some of these categories resonate with me at times. I have a constant struggle to find and do God’s will. But, that is the key…I am searching and doing…most of the time. I am not stagnant…most of the time. I run towards Him and not away…most of the time. 

For all those times I am not doing what God wants, there is grace. 

Thank you, Lord, for the grace that covers my selfishness as I go my own way at times. Draw me ever nearer to you. Help me always see the big picture instead of this tiny glimpse of worldly pleasures. Help me mature into a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Can you add to the list why people do not do what the Bible teaches?