The Tragedy of Unbelief

There is something that perplexes me greatly. I cannot understand why some people attend church, but do not see the reason for it. By that I mean that some people say they believe in God, but their actions belie their words. It would seem to me that they either don't believe God means what He says, or they don't believe in Him at all. Such folks are not unlikeable, immoral people. Many have been baptized in the body of Christ, I would suppose, as a precaution "just in case." I wonder if they've ever believed, or if they once did and then later changed their minds not to believe. Still, why would someone who apparently doesn't believe in God keep attending church and going through the motions of worship? I hope it's that they're just going through a dry season in their spiritual lives and they're trying to recapture their faith.

I'm very anxious for people who have lost their faith in God and His promises. Unbelief will keep one out of the kingdom of Heaven. I'm not writing this lesson about atheists and agnostics. I'm writing about once faithful children of God. I'm reminded of the numerous times the Israelites doubted God and His existence. Despite his miraculous rescue and provision for His "chosen people," many of them disobeyed and fell dead in the wilderness or were killed immediately for their defiance. Psa. 78: 19-22, 32-33 sums up their attitude best:

"They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?" When the Lord heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. . . .In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror."

Unbelief slams the brakes on God's blessings. Most of us have varied degrees of belief. God will work with whatever degree we have (Mt. 17: 20; Mk. 9: 23-24). However, Jesus wouldn't perform miracles around those who didn't believe he was the Messiah (Mt. 13: 58). Also, some of Jesus' disciples couldn't cure the sick of their afflictions because of their lack of belief.

I fear that some peoples' belief is like that seed that "fell away" in Luke 8: 11-13. There's only remedy I have for flagging belief is to spend time meditating on God's Word and asking Him to help our unbelief.

Love Ya,
God Bless!