I knew a guy who was a fired-up Christian, from Down Under. He was REALLY on fire! In fact, he loved God so much, and believed His word so completely, that he prayed and asked God to bring him a wife, and so, God answered his prayer. Not only that, but the same thing happened when he needed a job, and asked God to provide him one working with a ministry. God always showed up with the provision that my friend asked for, and fully expected to receive. How awesome is that?
Also, he could always be counted upon to be right in the midst of any Evolution/Creation argument. However, that whole area of the planet, Down Under, has a disproportionate amount of Evolutionist/Atheist thinkers. In trying so vigorously to defend his faith, he spent many hours debating against their "unbelief". To disprove them, he delved deeply into the "science" behind Evolution. In so doing, he found what he considered to be too many holes in the Gospels and in Creation. He instead found what he believed to be the case for "unbelief".
He surrounded himself so completely with their company, their words, their teachings, their "unbelief", and their "science", that he rejected God out-of-hand. So now, my previously, most fired-up brother in Christ, has become a devout Evolutionist/Atheist, and has forsaken the God who provided him with everything he ever needed or wanted. How sad.
Now, according to him, having been freed from the bondage of the God and Creation belief and myth, he claims to be the happiest he's ever been. Unfortunately, he no longer works for the ministry, and I believe his wife has left him. He works at AU (the University of Australia), surrounded by his good Evolutionist/Atheist friends. He has so bought the lie that you can't even have a normal conversation with him. His new-founded "unbelief" is all he talks about, and has been doing so for the past 2-3 years. It colors every aspect of his conversation. Even Happiness.
We were having a discussion about Happiness, and here's what he had to say:
"It's funny to me, how the people who are happiest are usually those who have a purpose to their lives and strive for things in life (which is not the same as achieved already) in all area's of their lives. I find nothing wrong with never being satisfied with where you are at. It's why science continues to improve our lives and its why great men and woman do great things, because they don't settle for what they have, but seek to make their lives better and those around them better as well. Just a thought to consider."
It's amazing how his thoughts here are SO contrary to his former way of thinking. I did my best to reply to him, but it appears that he has cut off any further communication with me. Here's my reply:
"Well, I know lots of happy people who have nothing and strive for nothing. Tell me how many kids you know that think about their purpose and are striving for something? Well, most kids are striving for dessert, recess, or playtime. LOL! Children make up 40% of the world's population. In Africa, 60% of the population is under 18. How much do you think they are focused on their achievements, their happiness, reaching their goals? Heck, 3 billion people don't know where they are going to eat tomorrow (wherever tomorrow is for them), and half of Africa is in that statistic.
Also,who made these great men and women the way they are? Who gifted them with the ability to discover new things? And, what is God's purpose in all of it? GOD is the one who improves our lives; NOT science. Science discovers things that can improve our lives, if used properly. However, science is NOT God, and it is God who gives the scientists all that they have and are. Whether a thing is supposed to be discovered or not, only God knows when and if. Man knows nothing, save what God has decided to reveal to him. Who knows the mind of God? Were you there when He set His purpose and plan in place, at the beginning of time and physical reality?
In addition, 'Godliness, with contentment, is great gain' (1Tim 6:6). I have nothing against aiming for higher, and believing for more. However, I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I that lives, but Christ that lives within me. I am a new creation. The old has passed away. Therefore, my goal in life is to be ever moving onward and upward in the revelation of Christ in me, the hope of glory.
For me, mediocrity is a sin. So, I have no problem with great men and women striving for higher, nor with scientists aiming for more discoveries.
But I want to dream those dreams that bring people closer to knowing Christ, and Him crucified."I was once blind, but now I see. God has given me everything I need. He has provided me with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, through Christ Jesus. I don't want to forget that, and I want to remain thankful AND happy for it and about it. I hope reading this has helped you with both.