It should not be amazing, but it actually is: information technology and the mass of information is available in a manner of a few seconds to anyone interested in seeking it! This collection of information can be used for good or harm; it can bring us joy or depression. It can also lead us to the darkest depths of humanity or to the richness of the Word of God that can deliver us to an eternity of salvation with our Lord.
Information technology also exposes things that can make us envious, jealous, and superficial and bring lust into our thoughts. For example, it exposes the wealth and power that many people have who use their success for negative and ungodly purposes. And many Christians may wonder, “Why?” Why does God allow bad people to become wealthy, seem to be blessed in all they do, have fame, and live the lifestyle many dream of? And as asked in the scripture Matthew 5:45, why does God “cause His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”? Again, in Proverbs 24:19 it is mentioned how the wicked seem to prosper. “Do not worry when evildoers go unpunished or be jealous when the wicked seem to prosper.”
Studying scripture, I did not find many verses that go into detail about that subject. I did, however, find numerous scriptures on the sins of using your wealth, fame, popularity, and power in a negative (sinful) way for personal gain or control. When we misuse, take for granted, and give credit to the wrong person for our success and blessings we have forgotten that “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5
We need to remember that power, wealth, fame, and popularity afforded to both the good and the bad in this life is just for a fleeting moment and then it is gone. James 4:14 says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
If we look at life itself, we are all blessed by God. The good and the bad, the believer and the atheist, the saint and the sinner. Why? A few reasons are He loves people. Romans 5:8 tells us, “…but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and does not want us to perish.” And2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” But, we must make a choice of who we will serve no matter what the circumstances we are given. He allows some to be rich or live in poverty, some seem to have the blessings while others suffer tragedies, and therein lies the dilemma.
Personally I know this is true because I have experienced many of life’s challenges before and even after I became a believer. And as I look back over my life, I clearly see that God had His hand in every detail of my life. And I am positive that God was with me and did everything He could (except taking over control of my life, which He would not do) to give me chance after chance to redeem my sins, change my life, accept the grace and peace He was offering. But for many decades I rejected Him, ignored Him, was too interested in the instant pleasures life had to offer instead of the true pleasure and joy He offers that is beyond understanding (Philippians 4:6).
I did things to myself that could have resulted in physical harm, could have cost me my job, and a loss of friends and family. Did I care? No. Did I even think about the consequences? No. It was about me and what I wanted. But God was patient and because of His grace He continued to protect me. To others, I brought temptation, sin, division, and the pretense that we need to live for today and enjoy whatever we desired. For those I infected, I pray that the harm I did to them did not affect them for eternity. Again, was I held accountable? No. God kept waiting for me to come to my senses, to repent, and seek forgiveness. His protection seemed to be endless.
Finally I had an “aha” moment and it became clear. I was saved by His Grace. To those who receive His blessings that do not deserve it, I say wake up and accept Jesus and not only receive the gift of salvation but a peace you can’t understand. And to those of us who receive His double blessing I say don’t take it for granted. Appreciate all you have and give Him all the praise and glory.
Manos de Dios, Hands of God Ministries 