I think I understand what you are saying, Gator.
Certainly many passages (especially in the OT) give the impression that 'good people (= obedient believers) get blessed' and everybody else doesn't ...
Clearly that is not the case. Good things happen to bad people, and vice versa.
(I suppose the story of Job illustrates that pretty well)
There are different interpretations why bad things may happen to believers:
- For God's greater purpose
- As a test to the believer
- As a punishment
There is also a possibility that our human perception of 'receiving blessing' just isn't the same as God's. (Some Eastern religions have a very different perception of blessing, and may not see suffering as a contrast to blessing at all ...)
Or that we receive God's blessing in the afterlife ...
What troubles me with the whole 'good-people-are-blessed-by-God-thing' (and perhaps it troubles you too), is how easily it can be used for humans to be judgmental of each other! :(
Very good friends of mine, who are very devout Christians, have suffered much in the last two years: ill health, loss of job and income, loss of house etc.
If I was to take your original thought literal, I should by now be wondering what they have done wrong to deserve 'God's punishment'! Are they perhaps not good Christians at all??! :X
And that is the danger. If I believe the 'good-people-are-blessed-by-God-thing', then I should come to the conclusion that only the rich, the powerful, the healthy and the beautiful are under God's favour ...
Now that's a worrying thought!
I see that I have thrown more questions into the discussion, rather than given answers.
This is just the kind of pondering thread I like. Looking forward to the discussion.
(It reminds me that not so long ago I was told in this forum that I was punished with an atheist husband, because I didn't follow God in the true way! :mmokay:)
Peace