Tag Archives: practical atheist

July 18
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'”  (Psalm 14:1, NIV)

A term found in more than one instance in the writings of the late sage Oswald Chambers is “practical atheist.”

It is a term that is properly applied to anyone — regardless of his or her declaration of beliefs — who lives as if there is no God.  In a practical sense, even the disciple of Jesus can — and does — act as if God isn’t.

For example, when we are blessed with abundance, do we credit God or do we credit our own enterprise and initiative?  When we succeed where others have failed, do we thank God or do we chalk it up to “luck”?  When our minds are clear and when our bodies are ailment-free, do we make haste to the house of worship; or do we prefer instead leisure and activities of self-celebration?

A more rigorous test of our practical beliefs is not during adversity and personal suffering (when nearly everyone is seeking divine assistance); but during times of abundance and personal ease.  In such seasons, numerous are the temptations to live as if “there is no God.”  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
August 13
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.  You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”  (Psalm 36:5-6, NIV)

When we take the time to look around us, it is easy to be impressed by God’s virtuosity. The twinkling stars and other heavenly bodies mystify and fascinate us as much today as they did in David’s time.  On earth, the plants of the earth purify the air we breath, delight our eyes with their buds and flowers, and nourish our bodies as food.  We also have a common Creator with all of the animals, whether wild or domesticated — and He preserves it all.

Beware of becoming a “practical atheist” through inattention to all that is around us.  Look up; look around — and believe.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
August 26
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:1-3, NIV)

Today’s psalm reminds us that there is not a moment, nor a situation, within the day where God’s praise is out of place. 

To “praise,” as we often hear in today’s vernacular, is to give “props” (which is derived from “proper respect”) to someone.  When we praise the Lord, we are rendering the honor, glory, gratitude, respect, authority that He is due. 

In the course of a day, we can — as Oswald Chambers often wrote — be a “practical atheist.” We receive a blessing, but we act as if it is a random occurrence instead of a gift from God. We reflect on our successes, despite obstacles and resistance from others, and we conclude that it is due to our own intelligence, persistence, and creativity. 

Today, as you see the hand of God, give Him praise for His assistance.  As you see the work of God in others, give Him praise for His faithfulness. As you see the grace of God in difficult circumstances, give Him praise for His mercy. 

“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.” – Luther

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →