Life changing events cause us to ponder the meaning of life. Worldwide events like world wars and the COVID-19 global pandemic result in billions of people searching for meaning at the same time. Recently my thoughts turned to the people in my life who have been managing a disease like cancer or MS for years. These people inspire me with their positive attitude and fighting spirit. It concerns and saddens me that they are having to deal with the added stress of possibly catching the virus. I started wondering why some people are more prone to develop disease or are more vulnerable to the effects of a disease. A scripture about a man that had been born blind came to my mind which I write about later in this message.
My faith in God helps me find meaning during difficult times but my faith also leads me to ask questions like: Why does God allow there to be so much suffering and death in this world?
This is a summary of my thoughts and I don’t have all the answers. My hope is that sharing this message may help others better answer some of life’s age old questions for themselves.
The meaning of life is shaped by a person’s beliefs about the origins of life, their understanding of the difference between good and evil and their ability to recognize the good and evil in the world and within themselves. The meaning a person’s life has to others depends on whether the person chooses to be a force for good or a force for evil and how successful they are in living out their choice.
If a person chooses to be a force for good they need to learn how to rule over their emotions and desires with Love so that the things they say and do are said and done in a loving way. I believe most people want to be good and this sounds simple enough but all you need to do is turn on the news or spend a few minutes on social media to see that it is not. Which leads us to this question:
Love - Hebrew word (agapē), Definition: love, goodwill
*Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not arrogant.
It does not behave dishonorably, it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked to consider evil.
Love does not rejoice in injustice but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, believes all things, always hopes,
Always endures. Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled;
Where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)*
The “Love” described above is not “worldly love”, it is a “way of being” which you apply to every aspect of your life. The way of Love is good and leads to eternal life.
In the book of John we are told that God is Love. The Holy Bible also says that God can be jealous or angry and that there are some things God hates. Emotions are not evil but if jealousy, anger and hate are not ruled by Love they will lead a person to sin. Emotions that we think of as good, such as joy, can be bad if a person finds joy in boasting, lying or harming others.
God Loves us and wants to bless us with all good things which include food, property and wealth. The Hebrew word for good is “tob” which means: a good thing, benefit, welfare, prosperity. Desires for good things are not evil but if they are not ruled by Love and a person becomes impatient or self-seeking in their desire it will lead them to sin.
God is good and rules over all emotions and desires with Love and God wants to make us into His image and likeness.
God created us and has the power to heal us physically but the purpose of this life is to allow God to heal our spirit – the imagination and intentions of our mind, the desires of our heart. God Loves us and wants us to choose to be a force for good so He can teach us the way of Love which enables us to overcome evil:
*A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)*
Regardless of your current circumstance or what you are feeling, choosing the “way of Love” empowers you so what you think, say and do is loving. The more loving you are the more you become the image and likeness of our Father God. Which brings us to this question:
Evil - Hebrew word “ra” Definition: evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity.
Evil is the opposite of good.
Evil is impatient, unkind, envious, boastful and arrogant.
It behaves dishonorably and is self-seeking,
Evil rejoices in injustice and deceit. It causes doubt, harm and destruction.
Evil always fails and ends in death.
When our emotions are not ruled by Love evil begins to corrupt our thoughts until it manifests in our words and actions causing us to sin. When the way of sin evolves into a “way of being” the person becomes evil.
God did not create us to be evil. Evil entered the world through the imagination of man and this a summary of how evil begins to gain a foothold in the human heart:
Mankind has a desire to have knowledge about good and evil. In order to gain this knowledge you have to commit good acts and evil acts. Then you must experience the consequence of each so you can truly understand the difference. In the process of seeking this kind of knowledge people do evil things and make many destructive choices which harm others and ultimately themselves.
The longer a person lives the more knowledge they obtain and achievements they accomplish. The more knowledge a person gains the harder it can be for them to understand that there is infinitely more to learn. The more a person achieves, the more important they can begin to feel. When a person thinks they “know it all” they have a tendency to become arrogant, prideful and rebellious; similar to a teenager who leaves home thinking they have it all figured out and are invincible. When a person believes they know better than God, or decides they have no use for God, they become separated from the Love and Wisdom of God and will start to develop a sinful nature. The consequences of continuing in the way of sin warps their understanding and clouds their judgement until their spirit becomes so corrupt that good choices are impossible to make.
People that adopt a sinful nature will choose to commit evil acts and will find pleasure in committing them. For example; a person that develops desires based in envy and greed will obtain what they desire by any means necessary; lying stealing, cheating bullying and even harming or killing others. Evil people lose their sense of guilt and enjoy committing acts of evil.
When there are evil people willing to steal and harm others, the other people will begin to band together to protect themselves and their property. Then the evil person will recruit people who are willing to join them so they can overcome the others and continue to take what they want and force those they do not kill to do what they want. As the other people experience suffering and loss they will become fearful and angry and some of them will begin to behave badly or even choose to join the evil people. This quickly leads to the establishment of clans and tribes and ultimately kingdoms and nations that war against each other.
Like rust that eats away at metal until there is nothing left, sin eats away the good in a person until there is no good left. The corrosive nature of sin causes it to spread from person to person, community to community, city to city and nation to nation. The way of evil destroys and inevitably leads to death. Death is the end of life and by its very nature death cannot exist in the eternal.
The Word of God says we need to be refined like gold because pure gold is not susceptible to rust, it endures “forever”. God wants us to endure forever in Goodness and Love but if we want be eternal we must walk in the way of Love which overcomes evil which ends in death. Which raises this question:
The suffering and death of this world are a result of mankind’s evil ways which are the opposite of God’s good ways.
In order to remove evil from the world God would have to remove our free will and control everything that we think, say and do. We would not be in the likeness and image of our God. Instead of being powerful, creative and good we would just be robots who could only function based on the programming of their maker.
It is because our Father God Loves us that He created this temporary world to be a place of learning and choices, where the mistakes we make and the sins we commit are not permanent and we can be forgiven. A temporary world where evil is overcome to make way for an eternal world full of only good.
God also created this world so each person could gain knowledge about the consequences of good and evil by learning history and watching others. This allows us to weigh the results of the actions of others so we can make more informed decisions before we act. But not everyone is taught how to learn from history and there are some things we need to experience ourselves. In the process of learning we all say and do things that we regret and this is why God wants us to know we are forgiven when we receive salvation.
Because good and evil coexist in this life, everyone will continue to experience the consequences of both in the spiritual and the physical; we will experience joy and life and we will experience suffering and death.
Our sufferings and our own mortality should humble us. Understanding that we did not give ourselves life, and that this life will end, should motivate us to seek God for the Wisdom that leads to eternal life.
All of the good things in this world illuminate the way to overcome evil and demonstrate God’s Love, power and goodness so we can have faith and hope in God’s promises. Which brings us to the question that led to all of the questions in this message:
Being exposed to certain natural or man-made substances can cause disease and physical deformities and sometimes these can be passed on through our DNA. It is possible that parents or an individual may have accidentally or even purposefully exposed themselves to a substance that caused an impairment or disease but ultimately these things are a result of mankind straying from the way of God over thousands of years, not anything the parents or the individual did.
This question made me think of a scripture and rereading it helped me answer all of the questions in this message:
*And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John 9:1-3)*
During the time of Jesus it was common for people to believe that when disease or calamity occurred it was because they must have done something wrong that angered “the gods”. Today there as still some cultures that believe this and even people that don’t can find themselves wondering; “Why me, what did I do wrong to deserve this?”
Jesus makes it clear that this man’s blindness is not a punishment for sin. Jesus performed a miracle and the man received his sight but his troubles were not over. His neighbors brought the man before the Pharisees and instead of being happy for him they aggressively questioned him on how he received his sight. They even interrogated his parents, who fearing the Pharisees would only confirm that their son was born blind and that now he sees. The Pharisees were not satisfied so they called the man back to interrogate him further:
*Then again they called the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man (meaning Jesus who healed him) is a sinner.
He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
Then they asked him again, What did he do to you? how did he open your eyes?
He answered them, I have told you already, and you did not hear: why would you hear it again? will you also be his disciples?
Then they reviled him, and said, You are his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spoke unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. (John 9:24-29)*
It was not necessary for Jesus to touch people in order for them to be healed but in this case Jesus mixed his own saliva with some clay and used it to anoint the man’s eyes. Then Jesus told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam, the man obeyed and upon washing received his sight. The power of God through Jesus gave the man his physical site but it was because of the man’s faith and obedience that God gave him spiritual sight; wisdom, insight and understanding about God and God’s ways:
*The man answered and said unto them, Why here is a marvellous thing, that you know not from whence he is, and yet he has opened my eyes. Now we know that God does not hear sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and does his will, him he hears. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
They answered and said unto him, you are altogether born in sins, and do you teach us? And they cast him out. (John 9:30-34)*
The Pharisees considered themselves to be the most righteous educated authority on God and God’s law. Being schooled about the ways of God by a man who had been born blind, who only just received his sight, infuriated them.
When Jesus heard that the man had been cast out he went and when found him, revealed himself as the Son of God and the man believed Jesus and worshiped him.
Receiving his physical sight was a gift in this life but the man was still going to experience difficulties, he was going to age and eventually those eyes were going to darken once again and his physical body would die. Once the man believed that Jesus is the Son of God he received the spiritual salvation that leads to eternal life. This is the works of God made manifest in him – physical and spiritual healing, wisdom and eternal life.
Regardless of our physical condition or health, we are susceptible to accidents or circumstances that result in death. If we are fortunate enough not to encounter any fatal perils we will still age and eventually die. Knowing that in this life physical death is inevitable, we should focus on receiving the spiritual healing from God that prepares us for eternal life.
It is understandable if someone becomes fearful, angry or depressed when they are diagnosed with a life threatening disease but most of the people I know overcome these feelings by embracing the important things in this life. These people cherish spending time with their family and are happy to help and comfort others in similar circumstances.
When you walk in the way of God, regardless of the circumstance, the works of God are made manifest in you. Your loving behavior helps God reach others when they see God’s Love for them in you.
At the end of John Chapter 9, right after the man believes that Jesus is the Son of God, the Pharisees question Jesus:
*And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might become blind.
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains. (John 9:39-41}*
Jesus said “For judgment I am come into this world” he did not say he is judging the world. Jesus embodied and demonstrated the way of God and now everyone is going to be required to judge “the works of Jesus” which are the words he spoke and the deeds he performed. When we judge the ways of Jesus we are judging the ways of God. Jesus explains this in John Chapter 12:
*Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess they believed in him, less they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that sees me sees him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and does not believe, I do not judge him: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. (John 12:42-49)*
Now we return back to the end of John Chapter 9. The Pharisees were fully educated in God’s Laws and studied the words of the prophets. As powerful spiritual leaders they were supposed to be in direct communication with God. They were responsible for teaching the people and for performing the rituals of forgiveness, healing and the cleansing of sins; and not just for the Jewish people but for the nations of the world. But the Pharisees had become arrogant, self-serving and focused on their own power rather than the physical and spiritual health of the people.
God was revealing His plan to bring mercy, forgiveness and salvation to the world through Jesus right in front of the Pharisees but their judgement had become corrupted and they could not see it. They judged that the miracle Jesus performed that gave the man sight was not of God, but it was. They judged Jesus to be a sinner, but he was without sin. They judged the man who received sight to be born altogether in sin, but they could not see he had received salvation. They judged themselves to be righteous, but they were not.
The miracles Jesus performed and the followers he had threatened the Pharisees power. Their envy of Jesus turned to hatred, they sought to kill him and eventually did. They chose the way of evil which corrupted their judgement and they became blind to the good ways of God which lead to salvation and eternal life.
And this is why a little over 2,000 years ago, when the spiritual leaders had become blind and were no longer teaching the way of Love, our loving God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world. The task of Jesus was to teach and show us the good and loving ways that his Father God had taught and shown to him. Each person living today has to judge whether or not the ways of Jesus are of God and are good. If we determine that they are good and worth following they will lead us back home to be with our Father God for eternity. Which raises the question:
The physical miracles Jesus performed got people’s attention but the teachings of Jesus prepared the way for the spiritual miracles that would transform the mind and “way” of a person. God is still performing physical miracles but we are not living in a time where every person will see or experience a physical miracle themselves.
Spiritual miracles from God are available right now for everyone who believes and asks. Spiritual miracles first begin to transform the spirit of the person who received it. Then they manifest in the physical through acts of loving kindness which cause other people to experience the miracle too.
Any physical miracle you may receive in this life is only a temporary gift but a spiritual miracle from God leads to salvation and eternal life. And this is why Jesus said:
*Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:29)*
If you take the time to read about the kind, patient and loving ways of Jesus and you judge that they are from God and are good, then you are on the way to receiving the spiritual miracle that leads to eternal life. Which leads to this question:
We must choose to be good like Jesus;
Repent of any evil we committed prior to making this choice;
Believe that we are forgiven through the blood and death of Jesus Christ;
Believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Some Christian faiths focus on receiving salvation and do not put a lot of emphasis on the need for the Holy Spirit. While being forgiven for our sins is necessary, it is only the first step and we still need to unlearn the evil ways of this world. The book of John, chapters 14, 15 and 16 give us a lot of information about the Holy Spirit and in summary: The Holy Spirit is the Comforter and the Spirit of truth that will teach you all things regarding God’s ways so that you can live eternally with our Father God forever.
The promise of the Holy Spirit is vital to bearing the sufferings and overcoming the evils of this world. God gives us the Holy Spirt to teach us how to rule over our emotions and desires with the power of Love and we will become more patient and kind. The Holy Spirit will also give us wisdom to help us overcome the lies that have corrupted our understanding and we will be able to rejoice in the truth. The more we “become Love”, the more we become like God our Father.
Other than Jesus, I am not aware of anyone that has fully “become Love” in this life and he was able to do this because of the Holy Spirit. Upon being baptized the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus began walking in the way of Love; healing, teaching and feeding multitudes. It was the Holy Spirit that gave Jesus wisdom, strengthened Jesus when he was tired and comforted Jesus on the day he was crucified on the cross. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit during his life to walk in God’s ways, to have patience when suffering and to overcome death, you need the Holy Spirit too.
Learning how to replace bad thoughts and ideas with good ones takes time. Patience is an attribute of Love and God is patient with us so be patient with yourself. When you make a mistake or bad things happen, instead of being frustrated or angry, believers need to exercise their faith and their trust in God’s promises. Remind yourself that you are saved because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you do your best to follow him.
God has planned for eternity and it can be difficult for us to comprehend His ways in the moment. No matter where you are in your journey of learning God’s ways, remember to also be loving toward God: Seek God in patience and be humble, realizing there is much to learn. Even when you are unable to see or understand the way God is working in your life or in the world trust that God is working in all things for good.
It is also essential that you read the Word of God to learn and remind yourself about who God is and what God’s promises are. This will increase your faith and deepen your personal relationship with God. The closer you draw to God and His ways the more you will feel God’s presence in your life and God’s Love and peace will help you through even in the worst of circumstances.
As we overcome each bad thing in our life with patience and kindness we begin transforming into the likeness of our Father God and the works of God will be made manifest in us. Which brings us to the most important question:
God’s will is for us to choose to be good and receive salvation in this life so our loving Father God can reward us with incorruptible bodies and eternal life:
*I call heaven and earth to bear witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live: That you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)*
God revealed salvation to the world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus is risen and you are invited to join him!
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