One of the biggest problems of my generation is the misconception that just because "good" things happen in our lives, God is pleased with our lives. There are two problems with this belief.
1. What is good
Most of us don't really understand what a "good" thing is. We usually think of money, possessions, and societal status as the blessings of God. And while these things can be used for God's glory, they are more often used for selfish gain and therefore become tools of Satan rather than blessings in our life. The bible says
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10 also see 2 Timothy 3:2)
Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be My (Jesus) disciples. (Luke 14:33)
Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4)
It is by God's grace that He warns us of these things because Satan loves to use these distractions to keep us far from God and lead us to destruction.
Humans are three part beings. We are body, soul, and spirit. We have to start seeking blessings that satisfy our entire triune nature and not just the superficial physical layer. The bible lists these things as the true gifts of God: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, wisdom, and discernment. These things are eternal, priceless, and will lead you into a closer relationship with God, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
Conclusion: Good gifts will bring us closer to God and help build and glorify His kingdom on earth, everything else is of the world and leads to destruction.
2. Grace and mercy
If you are living for the world and are still receiving blessings such as health and wholeness, please don't think you're getting over on God or that He suddenly stopped caring about sin. God blesses us when we don't deserve it out of His amazing grace and He protects us when we don't deserve it out of His overwhelming mercy. However, we must not ignore what the bible says about our responsibility for our actions and the abuse of His grace.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31)
Conclusion: God isn't dumb, blind, or sleeping. He is not pleased with our sin and unless we have a sincere change of heart, we will be held responsible.
