According to C.S. Lewis, there are 2 theories which explain why bad things happen to good people: dualism and the Christian view. Dualism believes there are 2 independent powers, one good and another bad that are in conflict with each other resulting in good or bad things. The Christian view is based upon Galatians 5:16-18, detailing the cosmic battle between Lucifer and the Holy Spirit. The X-Factor is freewill as whenever temptation results in a bad choice or decision, the lives of innocent bystanders are at risk.
For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:17.
As a former assistant and playing professional, I’ve seen a lot of bad things happen on golf courses. To the average spectator, the final result is what matters. However, the slightest gust of wind can ruin a great shot that only the player hitting a golf ball knows. Meanwhile, an amateur, casual golfer or kid have hit foul balls that glance off a tree, bounce down a cart path and skip over a water hazard, ending up on the green. Now, that’s a miracle! Unfortunately, I haven’t seen many of these go my way on a golf course.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:12.
One of the hardest parts of life is seeing a rising star’s life cut short due to cancer, a car accident or suicide. To make matters worse is standing there at a funeral watching parents grieve, grasping to make sense of their loss. At the end of one ceremony, a mother whispered into my ear, “I pray that the words you taught my daughter in Bible class were etched upon her heart.” When bad things start to happen, the frailty of life is put into perspective, Job 34:15. From dust man was created and to dust we will return. All we can do now is enjoy each day the Lord gives us on earth.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 