Why Do Bad Things Happen?

Why do bad things happen?

This opens a can of worms. And I really love cans of worms, so let’s go ahead and ask the tough questions.

Now if you’re asking Why did YOU specifically lose your friend in an accident, or experience great suffering?

I’ll go ahead and tell you, since you asked: Truthfully, I don’t know. The reasons behind your suffering may never be understood. But I CAN tell you that there are reasons behind it. They may not be reasons you like. For example, by reading Job, we learn that a valid possibility is that God and Satan made a deal that your entire life would be sent through the fire of suffering in order to prove to Satan that you love God regardless of the benefits.

Now that may not be an entirely satisfying answer, especially if you don’t love God regardless of the benefits.

And it may not be the case for your situation. Truthfully, bad things can be caused by Satan, natural disasters, natural consequences for something you or someone else did wrong. But the increasingly unpopular truth is that the ultimate source of both good and evil is God.

What!? Did Phillip just say the ultimate source of evil is God? He must be a heretic.

But Isaiah 45:7 says: I form the light,
    and create darkness.
I make peace,
    and create calamity.
I am Yahweh,
    who does all these things.

Likewise, Proverbs 16:4 says:

Yahweh has made everything for its own end—
    yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Later in Proverbs 16, it says, "The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from Yahweh."

A "lot" back then was like dice. So even randomness, like the tossing of dice, or maybe the random tree that fell on your car. All that is decided by Yahweh, the God of the universe.

This puts an enormous amount of weight on the idea that we find in Romans 8, which says that God “works all things out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” So every little detail is being orchestrated for his purpose. And that’s great news for those who love him! But bad news once again for those who don’t.

Now if you’re still with me, you may ask “Why would God cause the suffering of those whom love him?”

Hebrews 12 tells us that suffering – specifically persecution for our faith – is a discipline from a loving father. It even goes so far as to say that, if you’re not experiencing God’s discipline, then you’re an “illegitimate child”.

I might add that the one who loved God the most – Jesus Christ himself – suffered the most of all. And who was the source of such suffering? The Jews? The Romans? Satan? No. 

Acts 4 says:

"Truly in this city (Jersusalem) there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place."

And what’s more, Hebrews talks about how Christ was made perfect through this suffering, and that because of it, he is able to empathize with us and comfort those who are suffering.

Now this is where it gets a bit intense.

We find in Christ, the image of the invisible God – the exact imprint of God’s nature – is comforting us in our suffering. And yet we seem to also find that suffering comes from the hand of God.

How could this be? Well we must remember that the number one statement in almost every church’s doctrine is a paradox. We believe that, in the garden of Gethsemane, for example, God was praying to God that God would take the cup of wrath away from God, but not that God’s will would be done, but that God’s will would be done.

Let’s face it – we do not and probably never will understand the most important theology of Christianity. It’s through the idea of the Trinitarian godhead that all other theology is filtered.

By it, we can believe that God causes suffering, as the Bible says, mourns over evil, as the Bible says, and perfectly redeems all of it at the end of the age, as the bible says.

You see, faith in God is not simply faith that Jesus died on the cross. The apostles didn’t need faith to know that. They saw it. Rather, faith is believing that everything is going to work out for the best possible outcome. The outcome that gives God the most glory.

I once heard a survivor of sex trafficking say that she wouldn’t change one thing about her story, even if she could. She said it gave her a purpose – a message of hope to people.

It’s so true – we can often look back and see that God was in all of it. you have a child from an abusive relationship, but you wouldn’t change a thing about it. You broke your leg and lost a basketball scholarship, which led to you meeting your wife.

I’m a screenwriter. And often times, I need to remember that I am in a story that hasn’t reached the end. I know who the hero is, and I’m on his side. He has promised victory and glory for those who follow him. To believe that. To lean on that in times of suffering, takes real faith.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul explains a “thorn” he had in his flesh. He even calls it a “messenger from Satan”. Whatever it was, he concludes that it was given to him in order to keep him from being conceited. And God showed up and said, 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It’s there that we find some of the most beautiful words about suffering." 

He goes on to say: 

”Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong."

Here, he sums up every kind of suffering as a delight and an opportunity for God’s strength to be displayed in our lives.

That’s an encouragement. Unless of course, you don’t want God’s strength to be displayed in your life. Then you’re out of luck.

In conclusion...

Do me a favor, and if you find anyone who is suffering, don’t say any of this. Theological discussions are not good fodder for a broken heart. When Job is talking to his friends who are giving all their opinions about why this is happening, he says, “What horrible counselors you are!”

Don’t do that. Instead, sit there and listen to them – not in order to reply, but in order to understand. Try to feel their pain. Try to share their burden. Don’t say, “Let me know if there’s anything you need.” Say, “what do you need from me? How can I tangibly carry your burden?”

That is called empathy and compassion. And it’s for another day. In the meantime, suffer well, suffer together, and lean on the God who is in control of all of it.

Five Worldly Things In The Church

Christians of the West have drawn clear lines on some issues in order to "separate ourselves" from the world. And that's necessary, given the culture in which we live.

Some of the things we see in the world are blaring differences than how God calls us to live. But there are various things observed in the church that sneak their way in from the outside.


This is a non-exhaustive list (in no particular order) of some things that are common in the church but pose a threat to its health, growth, and holiness. They're worldly things... in the church.


But be warned. These are all extremely close to home for many of us.


1) Insurance Companies

People want to be sure that they'll be taken care of should anything traumatic happen in their lives. But instead of developing a Christ-like, interdependent community of believers, we often allow individualism to creep into the church. Our health and wellbeing are held accountable, not by fellow Christians, but by massive insurance companies who promise to be there for us when times get rough. And they ought to! You think. I pay them $200/month! I'm entitled to their money!

Instead of having insurance, consider giving that monthly contribution to other Christians in need. In the New Testament, we see churches raising funds to care for the needs of others all the way across the region. Today, there are quite a few faith-based organizations that facilitate the giving of funds from person-to-person when medical bills are too much for one Christian to handle. You may even be able to do this within your church conference or denomination.

When we Christians take care of each other, we're bringing a very tangible unity to the Body of Christ. It's in this unity that we can practice various Christian virtues well. If you take care of someone's medical expenses, you have a tangible right to keep them accountable for their personal health, instead of simply "judging them" at distance for their behaviors. This principle can be applied, not only in medical needs, but in any need your brother has. Relying on each other cultivates openness, generosity, gratitude, selflessness, and so forth. This kind of community is not "of the world", but it will be extremely attractive to the world.

2) Long-Term Dating

Worldly relationships pretty much plateau at "boyfriend and girlfriend". We all know those couples - the ones who were once "just seeing each other" and have, one tentative step at a time, isolated themselves, devoted absolute loyalty, and torn down all their personal barriers between each other. Truth be told, the idea of "marriage benefits" really means nothing more to them than tax deductions. But is it really all that much different for Christians? No.

The Church basically just teaches not to have sex or live together outside of marriage, never bothering to explain that it's because such bonds, if broken, could destroy one's future ability to trust, love, and commit to their spouse. But truthfully, couples who have been dating for over a year (or four) are in the same danger. And if they're being honest with themselves, their unmarried devotion is less of a preparatory practice in commitment, and much more like trying to reach over the fence of marriage to take its fruit while avoiding its responsibilities. 

At that point, dating has become less of a means to an end and more of an end within itself. And even if they do end up getting married, the habits learned in dating will prove detrimental to their marriage! Feeling shame after sexual intimacy? Withholding parts of your personal life? "Taking breaks" in times of conflict? These are iconic in unhealthy marriages, and yet such practices begin in dating relationships that the Church would consider "healthy".

You see, biblical relationship statuses are "married", "engaged", and "unmarried". And the life of an unmarried person is meant to be drastically different than that of a married person. There is no "dating". No lengthy trial period of exclusivity. No pre-marital practice of entitlements and obligations to someone who could very well NOT end up being your spouse. Just wholehearted devotion to God and His work. We must believe that such a life before marriage is exactly what we need to prepare for it.

3) Medication

Many people need constant medication for various issues, in order to remain alive. But like the world, we Christians are all-too-quick to pop pills to numb the pain. I recently shattered my collar bone. You should've seen the doctors' faces when I denied medication. But what's more astonishing was that many Christians gave me the same face, as if to say "What, you don't want to avoid pain at all costs?"

No, I don't. And neither does God. You see, the church has somehow managed to isolate happy, positive things about God and yet neglect the parts of Scripture that talk about God using suffering to discipline His children. How many wooden plaques of "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" do you see hanging in the doorway? But the truth is that God wants us to go through pain in order to remain close to Him and rely on other Christians.

But beyond all that, we must remember that "because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (Heb 2:18). You see, there are many people in this world whose pain is too deep to medicate. They're the drug addicts, the homeless, the social outcasts. God calls us to be Christ to them, but you can't do that if you decide to pretend it doesn't exist. Walk through pain together, with others, relying on God and the believers around you.

4) The State

People "of the world" want their moral standards to be imposed by the state. They want to use the government to force others to pay for contraception, to offer marital benefits to gay people - to affirm their beliefs. With no higher authority, they have good reason to put their hope in the State. But we too seek to impose our moral code onto those who don't even agree with it.

But instead of attempting to conform people on issues of morality and religion via secular government, consider using the government as a means of allowing people the freedom to choose for themselves. This resolves a greater concern in our society, which is government abuse of power and money. It just so happens that God's perfect justice is extremely expensive, and requires a lot of authority. So on this side of Judgement Day, the only one who wins in the battle of state-imposed morality is... the state.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul calls us to judge those inside the church - to let God judge those outside. He does this in order to protect the health of the church, explaining that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump". Don't try propping up a perishing world with biblical morality. Instead, seek a higher standard for your church community. And that separation - that holiness - will be a light in the world.

5) Political Apathy

Now, because the world is so clearly perishing, we Christians don't avidly bother stirring up the dust of politics. We cite Romans 13, which says, "The authorities that exist have been established by God". But we forget that the authority Paul is speaking of - Caesar - was born into a governmental system that gave him the power (and responsibility) to establish the laws.

Today, you have likely been been born into a republican democracy - not an empire - that likewise gives you a responsibility. YOU are the governing authority. The U.S. Bill of Rights begins with the words, "We, the People" - not "I, Caesar". So go back and read Romans 13, and ask yourself what your responsibility is as a citizen of a free, voting society.

It's a historical phenomenon that each individual Christian has such a prominent voice in society. Imagine if we engaged in politics with a biblical, unified, and consistent voice. Your governing authority was given to you by God. Use it well. (Also, you may like to know that your church doesn't talk about politics because, if they do, their non-profit status will be revoked. Look it up.)

You're Overwhelmed... I know.

It's true - being a Christian in a medicated, individualistic, apathetic, and falsely-assured society is tough. You can't just wear a purity ring, go to Bible college, and vote blue from the sidelines. The Bible tells us to "renew our minds". And it's true that the mindset of the world is so entrenched in our culture that it's almost impossible to see. But if we refuse to follow the course of the world, we can be a light to all those who are trampled in the flow. So please consider these things, and above all, seek to be like Christ in a world that holds on to anything but Him.

For now,
Phillip

We Are a Diva Bride From Beverly Hills.

I’m so ashamed. There was but a moment that I was in waiting – a moment that I wasn’t so sure of God’s plan because it seemed that our resources had run out. That moment now is passed, and I am ashamed of my thoughts and my sins in that time. Brittany - my career and ministry partner - told me last night that we've been asked to make a documentary for the next couple of months. I need to start researching and writing for it right now already. It will pay and it will be quick, and it will do everything we want it to do, really.

I heard that, and instead of being elated over the new opportunity and God’s provision, I realized one thing – I was not content with my wedding engagement to Christ. He always gives me sweet engagement presents, and I get super anxious if he doesn’t. What kind of a bride is that? I’m like a freaking’ diva from Beverly Hills. He already put a fat ring on my finger, and yet I’m demanding to be pampered with stupid little gifts all the way up until the wedding. If I were him, I’d get cold feet. Isn’t he enough? Aren’t I ecstatic over just the anticipation of the wedding? Apparently not.

And that hurts me. It doesn’t anger me. It hurts me. It shames me. I can’t just spend time with my fiancé and enjoy it. I have to be wealthy and prosperous and comfortable and famous too. It makes me question my intentions. Am I a gold digger? Or am I in love?

I like that phrase here – a gold digger. I think lots of people around here are gold diggers with Jesus. That’s the whole reason they call themselves Christians. It’s the whole reason they took the ring. In honesty, lots of people don’t even have a ring; the whole engagement is just a big illusion, and what they’ll get when they die is far different than the wedding ceremony they’re expecting. Their lamps are going to run out of oil, and when their bridegroom comes, he won’t even take a glance their way; he’ll have his eye on his bride.

Britt and I continued the conversation over the phone as I lay on the bed in my parents’ room, away from the noise of the rest of the house. We both exclaimed how unprepared we are for our calling – how famous the both of us want to be, and how sinful that is. What a wicked thought: fame. I can’t wait until I get to Heaven and meet the martyrs that had been abandoned by their Muslim families, persecuted by their communities, tortured and finally killed because they wouldn’t take off their ring. They’ll be famous.

I watched a sermon that Paul Washer spoke at a youth conference in 2002, and the message he gave was painful; he knew that many in the auditorium would go to Hell, and he knew that Christianity in America is mostly wrong, and he knew that, as he read, many will come to Jesus and say, “Lord, Lord, did we not do so many things in your name?” And he will turn their foreign faces away, leaving the weight of their wicked greed on their shoulder to sink them to the depths of the abyss. The path is narrow, and we need to remember that.

Aaron Newkirk explained at Bible Study last night that Christianity started in the Middle East, then traveled up to Europe as Asia Minor turned it’s back. And when the Catholic Church had done its damage, the blessing moved to North America. For hundreds of years we have been blessed, but today, we are in a spiritual recession that I fear will never end, while the persecuted church in China grows at exponential rates with believers that understand what it means to marry Jesus.

We’ve got to stop putting God second and start producing ETERNAL fruit. We have to stop pursuing the American dream because it’s going to end when we wake up! If you have money, stop wasting it on pointless things, and start giving to missionaries. Start giving food and clothing to the poor and love to the destitute, because if you have Christ, love is abundant, and wealth, prosperity, and comfort are LUKE WARM WATER (Rev 3:16-17). Run away from those things – not to them; they're poison to our faith.

And I speak to myself as well, since I am such a favor-hungry gold digger for Jesus. Maybe I’m being hard on us. Or maybe we’re actually wealthy snobs. Just consider this – if you know one missionary who isn’t on the mission field because they don’t have the money, consider them while you Christmas shop the halls of Best Buy “celebrating” the birth of Jesus, who you aren’t proclaiming in your workplace let alone in a persecuted Church of the Middle East. Don’t know a missionary in need? Meet 18-year-old Amanda Kirchem http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001203310948 who is doing her Discipleship Training School with YWAM in January and then traveling to one of four or five foreign countries for three months, spreading the gospel to the lost. She still needs a few thousand bucks for the whole thing, and her three jobs might not do it for her in time.

What a perfect time for Christmas to come. I need to remember just how RIDICULOUS it is that Jesus would manifest himself as a human just to propose to me. Merry Christmas everyone!

-Phil