Rant: The happy athiest :(

[DarkCloud]

Hi all, this is a bit of rant so bear with me. But, sometimes I visit these boards and see how our brothers and sisters are struggling who really believe and love and accept Christ, and it just makes me angry. It makes me angry that this guy I met a few months ago has a great life and practically spits on jesus, while we belive and worship but are constantly struggling. As the title of my thread hints, this guy is an athiest. I met him at the gym and it turns out he lives near me so I've spent time with him and his family and got to know him pretty well. Other than the athiesm he is a pretty descent guy, he even does a lot of charity and environmental clean up work. But what frustrates me his how great his life is. He has a masters degree in engineering, he has a nice house, car, pretty wife, and nice kids (as far as I know). He also is enviably fit and athletic, and from what he has told me, he excels in his career and manages other engineers. When I asked him what church he went to and he told me that "the existance of God is irrational." I was shocked. How could someone so successful do this without God? Here we are, all struggling, in general, and this athiest is living happily ever after. It is not fair

 

[katautumn]

Atheists struggle as well. I'm not sure why you find it so unfair that he doesn't believe the way you do and yet he seems happy. Maybe he just has a different set of circumstances in life. Contrary to your misconceptions, people can be successful without being a Christian. He simply applied himself, worked hard and achieved what he wanted out of life. Don't envy him or think it's unfair. I don't think his success and your struggle has anything to do who is the Christian and who is not and more to do with life circumstances.

 

[Akathist]

Becoming a Christian is not the path to take if you want things in life to be easy and comfortable.

It is through struggles that our virtues increase and our faith thorugh testing is made more pure. (Just as gold is refined in fire.)

 

[TheDerek]

As Xenia said, following Christ isn't going to be easy.

Also, that it might seem like he has it all now, but after the second coming.... You're struggles will be worth it.

 

[Wr4ith]

Just because you believe in god doesn't mean you have more rights than an atheist(or whatever other religion). Everyone should be considered equal. You also use the word Atheism like it's a bad thing wich is just silly. People believe what they want to. Their view of reality is as real as another persons view. No one has the right to say that someone of another religion should have it worse in live than you.

 

[TheDerek]

Just because you believe in god doesn't mean you have more rights than an atheist(or whatever other religion). Everyone should be considered equal. You also use the word Atheism like it's a bad thing wich is just silly. People believe what they want to. Their view of reality is as real as another persons view. No one has the right to say that someone of another religion should have it worse in live than you.

I don't think that Darkcloud meant that all athiest's should live in hubbles. I think he meant that because we are follow the TRUE God, that we should have it better off... But following Christ wasn't meant to be easy....

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Life is a toss-up.
Some have it good. Some have it not so good. Being Christian does not guarantee one over the other.
if anything, this guy is simply diligent and responsible in how he lives his life.

 

[UnitynLove]

"Fret not thy self because of evildoorers, neither by thy envious because of workers of inquity because they will soon be cut down like grass and wither like crows." Remember there are laws in the universe that the Lord has placed. If you sow good seed you will get good seed if you sow bad seed then you will get bad seed. As you say that he does charity work and stuff well he should get good seed producing in his life for that. But he does not have what you have, something that he wishes he had...That is the guarantee that when you die you will be safe and secure he does not have that. Also when things go wrong you can lean on a higher power to help you out of the situation but he can not find anyone to turn too.

 

[aLi3nZ]

Hi all, this is a bit of rant so bear with me. But, sometimes I visit these boards and see how our brothers and sisters are struggling who really believe and love and accept Christ, and it just makes me angry. It makes me angry that this guy I met a few months ago has a great life and practically spits on jesus, while we belive and worship but are constantly struggling. As the title of my thread hints, this guy is an athiest. I met him at the gym and it turns out he lives near me so I've spent time with him and his family and got to know him pretty well. Other than the athiesm he is a pretty descent guy, he even does a lot of charity and environmental clean up work. But what frustrates me his how great his life is. He has a masters degree in engineering, he has a nice house, car, pretty wife, and nice kids (as far as I know). He also is enviably fit and athletic, and from what he has told me, he excels in his career and manages other engineers. When I asked him what church he went to and he told me that "the existance of God is irrational." I was shocked. How could someone so successful do this without God? Here we are, all struggling, in general, and this athiest is living happily ever after. It is not fair

It MAKES you angry? Makes?

Regardless of what you have seen. You chose to response that way, no one can make you feel an emotion like anger.

From your post it would appear that you also seem to believe that being a Christian is supposed to be easier then being a non believer.

IMO That is incorrect, how can a life spent resisting yourself and the devil in accordance to Gods word be easier?

 

[Anti Existance]

Everything will be explained in this story to you

http://www.near-death.com/rosenblit.html this is a story about an athiest who excelled in everyhthing he did but then died(got a near death experience) and got to see the hidden truth of his life. Very scary experience.

 

[UnitynLove]

Have you tried loving "Agape" way? You can experience the happiness in his life and more.

 

[Sheva]

Hi all, this is a bit of rant so bear with me. But, sometimes I visit these boards and see how our brothers and sisters are struggling who really believe and love and accept Christ, and it just makes me angry. It makes me angry that this guy I met a few months ago has a great life and practically spits on jesus, while we belive and worship but are constantly struggling. As the title of my thread hints, this guy is an athiest. I met him at the gym and it turns out he lives near me so I've spent time with him and his family and got to know him pretty well. Other than the athiesm he is a pretty descent guy, he even does a lot of charity and environmental clean up work. But what frustrates me his how great his life is. He has a masters degree in engineering, he has a nice house, car, pretty wife, and nice kids (as far as I know). He also is enviably fit and athletic, and from what he has told me, he excels in his career and manages other engineers. When I asked him what church he went to and he told me that "the existance of God is irrational." I was shocked. How could someone so successful do this without God? Here we are, all struggling, in general, and this athiest is living happily ever after. It is not fair

Please realize that God does work for the good of those that love him. I’m sure no matter how strong of a faith a Christian has might wonder “why God” when something goes wrong. You seem to be jealous though. God never says believe and you will always have everything you want. Instead he says in John 3:16 “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Faith in Christ is much more valuable, then cars and houses and even a wife and kids. Don’t put them in the same category. Praise God for what you do have. Everything we have is by the grace of God.

If you do put your faith first, which is a struggle, nothing else matters. None of the apostles were blessed with riches and fame and glory. King Herod who slaughtered babies had those things. In fact the apostles were persecuted. So don’t try to figure out why some people have some things and other people don’t. God’s wisdom is far above ours. Do trust in his promise and look to Jesus who died on the cross for you. That’s the most important blessing of all.

 

[UnitynLove]

Please realize that God does work for the good of those that love him. I’m sure no matter how strong of a faith a Christian has might wonder “why God” when something goes wrong. You seem to be jealous though. God never says believe and you will always have everything you want. Instead he says in John 3:16 “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Faith in Christ is much more valuable, then cars and houses and even a wife and kids. Don’t put them in the same category. Praise God for what you do have. Everything we have is by the grace of God.

If you do put your faith first, which is a struggle, nothing else matters. None of the apostles were blessed with riches and fame and glory. King Herod who slaughtered babies had those things. In fact the apostles were persecuted. So don’t try to figure out why some people have some things and other people don’t. God’s wisdom is far above ours. Do trust in his promise and look to Jesus who died on the cross for you. That’s the most important blessing of all.

Great Advice!

 

[Defuret]

Remember: being happy on the exterieur doesn't mean someone is happy inside. Often suicides or very depressed people seem to have no issues to the people close to them, and seem very successful in life. I've heard stories of people in high positions with a good familly that kill themselves for completely unknown reasons, or who are chronically depressed.

 

[If Not For Grace]

It is not fair

Thank God!!! If life were fair and I got what I deserve, I would be in the penitentiary doing 25-life or worse.

It rains on the just and the unjust. Favor ain't fair (to quote TD Jakes) and Nothing Just happens (Jakes again) and God is not fair but He is Just (Jakes one more time).

Do not wish ill will on this man, if he does not turn his life around he will only have it good for at the most about 70 or so years and you will have all eternity--think about it.

 

[Mickey1953]

Hi all, this is a bit of rant so bear with me. But, sometimes I visit these boards and see how our brothers and sisters are struggling who really believe and love and accept Christ, and it just makes me angry. It makes me angry that this guy I met a few months ago has a great life and practically spits on jesus, while we belive and worship but are constantly struggling.

Dear friends,
There are struggles… life is just that. But there is joy too! When I have struggled they have mostly been struggles of my own making by sin or decisions for earthly gain..

I am a part of God's creation. I would love to be able to share all He has done in my life and still does.. God will never leave me nor forsake me.... even when my faith has been as small as a mustard seed..
The miracles have been small and great!. The greatest being changed hearts of my children!!!! And changed lives. Gifts of saving grace. A home when no home was deserved. Not a mansion, but a home where my leaking roof, stopped leaking. And food when my cupboards were almost bare. God loved us before we loved Him. The God I know, that is in my heart is a great God of love. He is a giving God. A giving God of second chances, and of renewed hearts. He does answers prayer. He also is a God of justice.

How do I know? I have lived this. He is and I believe He is coming again. He knew me in my mother's womb.... this is in scripture. Materially people may have more than me. But, what I look at as riches; are what I could have lost and did not by God's grace.

Like my family….. I am not saying I have not lost anyone to death – I have Grand daughters….but there is the Hope of Heaven and seeing them again.

I wonder at times why other people have so much; but, then I look at my life and ask myself; what is it that you really need Mickey?
My God really meets all my needs….

I would not argue with your atheist friend about faith, but to not have the peace of Jesus….. that to me would be the pain of pains.

Someday your friend will be faced with human loss and material loss and eternity loss. He is and will be loved by God, and God will love him first, as He did me. God's thoughts are not our thoughts and He does not anyone to perish. He does not want to loose your friend.

My life has changed. I have changed and my children have changed because of the name of Jesus. When my children were saved from the depths of earthly despair, because of prayer; I was over joyed. This is the God of my life. There is no other like Him. And their was no human that could save me.
I have tried so many different paths......
I don’t wish loss upon your friend, but I don’t wish for him to meet Jesus too late.
All that he has of earthly gain will go away, burn away, be nothing and without Jesus - we are lost. There is no hope.

The Parable Of Jesus - The Rich Man And Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)
is good scripture to read....

Sincerely & with a humbled heart because of what I was and what God saved me from .

A sister in Christ &
( a late night & tired - )
Goodnight
Mickey

 

[0145xyz]

No one has the right to say that someone of another religion should have it worse in live than you.

yea, that is really kind of mean.

But he does not have what you have, something that he wishes he had...That is the guarantee that when you die you will be safe and secure he does not have that. Also when things go wrong you can lean on a higher power to help you out of the situation but he can not find anyone to turn too.

yea, I love Jesus Christ-He is the best, I could not live my life w/o Him, how hopeless I would be. I would gladly go live in a 3rd world country in poverty if it meant it was the only way to God, if you are thinking that atheisists are rich and christians are poor(which is a fals generalization) you should be happy to be on the better side.

Becoming a Christian is not the path to take if you want things in life to be easy and comfortable.

a lot of times it's easier to get ahead in life (financially) if you commit certain sins

If you do put your faith first nothing else matters. So don’t try to figure out why some people have some things and other people don’t. God’s wisdom is far above ours... Jesus who died on the cross for you. That’s the most important blessing of all.

:thumbs up:

Remember: being happy on the exterieur doesn't mean someone is happy inside. Often suicides or very depressed people seem to have no issues to the people close to them, and seem very successful in life.

true, a lot of people are really good at faking things too, and probably would put on a special front for you-because they don't want you to think they actually nead God, when they are trying to sleep at night, and their God shaped hole is empty and hurts, they feel it.

Do not wish ill will on this man, if he does not turn his life around he will only have it good for at the most about 70 or so years and you will have all eternity--think about it.

sorry to quote so many of you, but there was so much that was said that I agree with. Mickey1953 said some great things too!

 

[ReluctantProphet]

I have found that being an atheist is merely being uneducated on the subject. I have yet to find one who can stay atheist while living around me for more than just a few weeks.

God answers to anyone who answers to true need. That person might not of ever even heard the word "God".

The atheist can see obvious need and often answers to what he sees clearly. But the more you gain, the harder it is to see the true need. As long as God keeps his eyes focused on need, he will do as God would have him do even without him making the effort to look for himself and regardless of what he believes.

Merely follow your desires and eventually your needs and your desires separate. If you have always only followed what you wanted, then you find it difficult to see your need and you lose everything you had gained. Ask Lazarus.

You know your need for certain only by the lack of it. Desires cannot replace a true need.

But would you also be jealous of the man who gained wealth by stealing or murder? Your atheist does not know from whom he takes his wealth. He is pleased with himself because he is blind from truly understanding from where his wealth has come.

It is you who have so little who are blessed with the opportunity to see what the wealthy cannot see and must steal.

Find your true needs and how to appreciate them and your atheist will become envious of you. Insist that you have gained your joy from God and he will become angry and jealous because you found happiness without his advice.

Seek to live only by money and you seek to be a slave. Seek to cause joy eternally and you find freedom in all places.

Begin by feeling the freedom of being happy with almost nothing. How can joy be taken from you if it has no handle with which to pull it? If you can do this small thing, then ask him why he struggles so for what you can always obtain with so little.

When you struggle you only do so against your blindness. Open your eyes to what is truly needed regardless of what you had thought an desired.

Never gain past your true need and your eyes will follow your true needs and God. Your heart will feel the joy of seeing the hope and progress toward your assured future of joy eternally. Keep clarity in your need through fast and feed.

God is found in your needs. Love your needs and walk with them - even better, dance with them.

 

[Mickey1953]

I was checking on past posts, and saw this one. I was wondering how things were going, if you were still in touch with this man...how he is doing...
Peace in the name of Jesus,
Mickey

 

[Johnnz]

God sens rain on the just and the unjust. God's goodness is not confined to Christians. He is living in many of the blessings of God, but he does not recognise the source of them. It's obvious you could learn a lot of very good things from him as you observe his values and skills.

John
NZ