I've asked myself this question often but cant seem to find the answer and I am curious about what other christians think. As human beings living here on earth we are very vulnerable, at any moment we or family members could be killed, die suddenly at any moment. Besides being saved and having an eternal home in heaven, whats the difference here on earth for those who are christians and those who are not. We are all vulnerable to anything, but being a christian doesnt make you safe from what others have to experience, and it seems like most people that are prospering are not christians. shouldnt there be some advantage for christians here on earth. What do you guys think?
2007-02-09 10:43:53 · 24 answers · asked by spirit2 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Who said I'm am looking for riches, and everyone of you keep talking about getting your riches in heaven well is that going to pay kids college tutition or nursing home bill. It's easy to say whats politically correct now! I dont feel like I have to wait to get to heaven to experience joy and peace. My question was is there a difference bet. what a christian experiences and a nonchristian most people including christian expect christain lives to be better but in reality they're not. The divorce rate for christian is higher than nonchristians and yes I am a christian. I just wanted some feedback knowing these facts.
2007-02-09 14:23:47 · update #1
What we have that the world does not have is the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. As far as the prospering people not being Christians, there is a large segment of Christianity who seek after the world's riches and have plenty and to spare. But true believers should not seek after these things, but store up treasures in Heaven. As Paul said, if the dead do not rise, then we are of all people the most miserable. Our rewards are in Heaven, where our hearts should be. But when you are a child of God, can't you find joy and blessing in almost every situation? I have found that being indwelt by God's Holy Spirit has given me a deeper appreciation for every good thing in my life. Eyes to see, ears to hear, an imagination to dream, consciousness to learn and communicate. There's so much to be thankful for. Red berries on green trees, orange marmalade on warm toast, hot cocoa, beautiful music, rain, sunshine, laughter, catharsis, sharing my faith. :)
edit: Your first question was "shouldn't there be some advantage for Christians here on earth." Benny Hinn and Joel Osteen say yes in both physical and spiritual, the apostles and early church and most people of faith say no in the physical but yes in the spiritual. The joy and peace you mentioned are part of the fruit of the Spirit, whcih we do experience here and now. The college tuition and nursing home may or may not be in God's will for a particular person. I can't address that part. The main thing people have to watch out for is letting their own personal presuppositions and premises about what they think God wants for them come between them and their Savior's plan for their life. Bottom line: Trust Him and seek Him and thank Him. He's working all things together for the good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
2007-02-09 10:52:10 · answer #1 · answered by celebduath 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all we do have Gods protection from evil which non believers do not. I have seen many non believers plagued by evil spirits until finding Christ. Also I have been personally healed by Christ a luxury not afforded to those who do not believe in him. As for the reason most people succeeding in the world are not Christians is because the world we live in is evil and those who love the world hate God. Remember what Jesus said, it is easier to pass a Camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Because the easiest way to become rich is to neglect your morals and step on others wether it be with drugs, sex or violence all are money makers in this world.
2007-02-09 11:02:05 · answer #2 · answered by Joshua 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I have a better life because I'm a Christian, I don't desire the wordily things, like non Christians do. I know that life will have its hardships, family will die, and my life could change at any moment, BUT I have the wonderful promise of everlasting life in Heaven with Jesus when I die. We do have an advantage of serving an awesome God on this earth.
2007-02-09 11:15:10 · answer #3 · answered by the pink baker 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
God never promised his followers an easy life. In fact I think it is just the opposite. Our life here is temporary, and we look at it that way. For us, being on Earth is as bad as it will ever be, but for non-Christians it is the best it will ever be.
We try to live a life that would be pleasing to God, but others do not hold to that standard. Because of that they may seem to have more success, but have you really succeeded if you cheated to get where you are?
I'll tell you one advantage we do have. I have a joy in my life that mystifies people who do not believe. I'm content even in the worst of times because I have the Holy Spirit to comfort me, and Heaven to look forward to. Don't measure advantage on an worldly scale and you will see how we are way ahead.
2007-02-09 10:56:14 · answer #4 · answered by Rixie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says it will rain on the just and the unjust. Yes I know that my prayers have provided protection for my loved ones. There are circumstances that I know when I was praying God was looking out for the ones I was praying for. The Bible tells us that no matter what the circumstances we can have a life filled with peace, love and joy. We must choose to walk in that everyday and not let the problems of this world pull us down. I have so much more peace than my friends that don't have faith in Jesus. I see it everyday.
2007-02-09 10:50:48 · answer #5 · answered by alytherehn 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Being Christians does not afford any special treatment.
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45
In fact, we should anticipate worse.
See Psalm 37 and Jeremiah 12 concerning the wicked prospering.
2007-02-09 11:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most believe they would rather live gently on the earth and reap eternal bliss.Jesus was a simple man he could have been all powerful and wealthy here on earth.But you can't take it with you and if you are a believer in Gods word then it is better to be poor and giving while on earth for as long as you live than to die wealthy and have eternal suffering in hell.Gods promise is Heaven and happiness forever.Sounds good to me.
2007-02-09 10:52:56 · answer #7 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The advantage for Christian's is in heaven, not on earth.
If anything, Christians are more vulnerable on this earth. We are counter to satan's plan, and he will do anything in his power to snatch a lamb from God's hand. If you read about Lot in the bible, God permitted Satan to bring suffering into Lot's life as a test of his faith.
The difference for a Christian on earth, is to pass the test of faith, and to try to prevent as many others as possible from being snatched by satan before we are called to heaven.
2007-02-09 10:55:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could convince you to read the Book of Revelations. It is filled with imagary of Heaven as it will be when we are taken up to be with HIM.
Streets of gold and an entryway made of pearls and all of the walls therein are made of every manner of Gems.
Revelations is really worth the read,even for someone that does not really believe. there is so much to learn.
I have studied this book for many years and I am still amazed at what I read and I still have questions that puzzle me. But that does not stop me from reading.
Please give it a try, that is how I got saved. !
2007-02-09 10:52:03 · answer #9 · answered by having fun 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
God treats everyone the same, if there saved, or if their not. Our purpose here on earth, is to witness, to the people who are not saved. God does not want to make Christians be able to do things better, or something, because it says in the bible, he does not want to favor anyone. If your a Christian, and your not prosperous, leave it to God, he has a plane for everyone.
2007-02-09 10:52:49 · answer #10 · answered by I♥pix 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋