Why good things happen to bad people

Those that do not believe in the God that is revealed in the Bible often propose questions in defense of their position like “Why do bad things happen to good people?” or “Why do good things happen to bad people?” as proofs of their outlook on the Divine. The question of “Why do bad things happen to good people” is tricky, and quite often whatever suggested is poorly received due to the idea that they are genuinely good. I’d like to address the question of “Why good things happen to bad people”.

It can be seen in all sections of life. The mean kid that picked on you in middle school happens to have the rich dad that bails him out of trouble, the tool in high school gets the best looking girl in your class, or the “woman of ill repute” lures a great guy to her. In business, those that cheat on financial statements rarely get caught and achieve higher stock prices. In education, teachers that lie about discipline issues or standardized testing gets a promotion. In health, doctors that pay little attention to their patients make more money simply because they get more people through the doors. Even at LU we see the lazy kid that never does any work is always put into the smart group for group projects. Culture is full of instances where good things happen to bad people, and we can all think of our own stories.

But is it really “good” that is being done to bad people? When God “blesses” bad people, is He not actually punishing them? When something terrible happens to a person, or he reaches rock bottom, does not that person almost unconsciously look up to God for help? In reality, those “bad” things will lead that person to a greater spiritual level, and often to salvation found in Jesus. The idea of a “bad” thing happening to a “good” person is actually an issue of myopia, or nearsightedness. Think back on our own lives. Think of all the “bad” things that happened that eventually drew you toward God, your family, your friends, ect. I would be more selfish, harsh, arrogant, and sinful if not for my younger sister’s brain tumor and my older sister’s former drug addiction.

But, as Paul says, God will, as punishment, give good things to bad people (Rom. 1:24-28). When God gives pleasure, security, money, status, or relationship to bad people, he is actually anesthetizing them to eventual and ultimate good. The Bible says God actually “gives them over to their sinful desires”. He does the giving. God is not giving bad people good things for their good. He is giving bad people good things for their bad. He is punishing them, for if something bad were to happen to them, they might awaken from their spiritual slumber and turn to God. But God punishes those he loves because they are his sons and daughters (Heb. 12:6). Our Heavenly Father doesn’t punish the neighbor kids down the street because they are not his children.

So, when we see one that is not a son or daughter of God being given great things in this life, may we pity them and remind them of the gospel. The gospel is the Great Equalizer. None are good; all are bad. It is only through the Son that all may be children, awaiting our eventual good thing. He that lives his entire life with good things will die and forever be given bad. It is like a student that sleeps through class and misses the final. Was it truly sweet sleep if the outcome is missing the final? Would not we wake up a fellow student that is on the cusp of this tragedy? What if the outcome is hell? Would not we all the more shake him from his slumber? Or would we simply assume he wants to sleep?


Soli Deo Gloria.