Good Things and Bad People

For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” (Psalm 73:3-11 ESV).

Recently I met a man at a local gas station who asked me what I did. I replied with my usual response that I was a Biblical counselor. In this case that did not have the typical result, which typically is something like “Oh, that’s nice.” He proceeded to tell me all the things that bothered him. I guess it was a slow day. One thing did catch my attention. He said, “I really don’t have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices – even good ones – have bad results. I’m actually OK with that.” I couldn’t help myself. I took the bait and asked, “Then what is bugging you?” He matter-of-factly replied, “Well, I don’t understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?” I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. “And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?” That last one was unexpected. I continued down the road he had begun. “You say this man is an atheist?” He nodded. “And, if I’m not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?” Again he nodded. “So here is a man with a miserable family life; and, unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ, will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?” I continued, “I’m just curious; despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?” He immediately exclaimed, “No way. Not even for a second,” he replied. The psalmist of our reading today was struggling a bit with the same thing. It is a legitimate question. To understand the answer we need to explore the concept of “karma.” That’s the belief that good things bring good things and bad things bring bad things. The truth is that no behavior or action brings us anything in return without the intervening work of God. It is not Karma that determines action and reaction; it is the will and purpose of God. For those who are His children, regardless of what it may seem now, we can be assured that He is purposing and working all things for our good.