Why do so many people stray from God?

[Sebastian-Jayce]

It's hard sometimes to build a friendship with people around my age, plus it's hard to relate to some of the older (hypercritical) generation who cast judgement as if they were the lord.

 

[WIP]

It's hard sometimes to build a friendship with people around my age, plus it's hard to relate to some of the older (hypercritical) generation who cast judgement as if they were the lord.

Opening your post with this kind of accusation isn't usually the best way to build friendships. But, at the risk of being "hypercritical" I'll try to give you an answer to your question.

The reason so many stray from God is that we all want to be our own gods. In Genesis 3 when the serpent tempted Eve, what did he say? He said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV)

And Eve's and Adam's response...
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6 NKJV)

God is our Creator. The bible describes it like a Potter/clay relationship (Isaiah 64:8). In other words, He is the potter and He chose how to create us. We were nothing but clay that was shaped and given life. The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7 NKJV)

We are not content to be under God's control. We are unwilling to let Him be our everything. The Bible says that we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and this is repeated multiple times in Scripture. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 13:3, Deuteronomy 30:6, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)

How do we love God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength? By putting our complete faith in Him and trusting Him with total control of our lives - how we live, how we act, what we speak, what we think, and so on.

 

[Maria1217]

It's hard sometimes to build a friendship with people around my age, plus it's hard to relate to some of the older (hypercritical) generation who cast judgement as if they were the lord.

Have you ever strayed from God? If so, why? Perhaps your answer is the very same as so many people who stray from God.
Why is it hard to build friendships with people around your age? Can you give some reasons?

In which areas do you find it difficult to relate to the older generation? Can you give some examples of the older generations hypocrisy?

 

[hawkman]

Because they choose not to stay close to God . It is up to you , not the other people in your life .

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

Opening your post with this kind of accusation isn't usually the best way to build friendships. But, at the risk of being "hypercritical" I'll try to give you an answer to your question.

The reason so many stray from God is that we all want to be our own gods. In Genesis 3 when the serpent tempted Eve, what did he say? He said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV)

And Eve's and Adam's response...
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6 NKJV)

God is our Creator. The bible describes it like a Potter/clay relationship (Isaiah 64:8). In other words, He is the potter and He chose how to create us. We were nothing but clay that was shaped and given life. The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7 NKJV)

We are not content to be under God's control. We are unwilling to let Him be our everything. The Bible says that we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and this is repeated multiple times in Scripture. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 13:3, Deuteronomy 30:6, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)

How do we love God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength? By putting our complete faith in Him and trusting Him with total control of our lives - how we live, how we act, what we speak, what we think, and so on.

There are just a lot of people who don't live up to the virtues I was taught to live up to.

I can't put it any other way. But then I have realised that it isn't my place to be judging others when they are probably broken in certain ways.

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

Because they choose not to stay close to God . It is up to you , not the other people in your life .

True. But the actions of others rub off on us at times. I can't be responsible for the sins of siblings or even parents.

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

Have you ever strayed from God? If so, why? Perhaps your answer is the very same as so many people who stray from God.
Why is it hard to build friendships with people around your age? Can you give some reasons?

In which areas do you find it difficult to relate to the older generation? Can you give some examples of the older generations hypocrisy?

It's not so much relating. It's more disappointment. You do something good, you don't partake in certain activities at a party, like drug abuse for example. But then a sibling of yours is let off the hook by your "Godly" parents. This kinda thing angers a lot of young people. We are expected to live up to ideals which aren't always hard, but often are let down by the people who expect those ideals from us.

 

[Maria1217]

It's not so much relating. It's more disappointment. You do something good, you don't partake in certain activities at a party, like drug abuse for example. But then a sibling of yours is let off the hook by your "Godly" parents. This kinda thing angers a lot of young people. We are expected to live up to ideals which aren't always hard, but often are let down by the people who expect those ideals from us.

Your disappointment and frustration at their hypocrisy is understandable. It has a demoralizing effect on one sibling when parents show favoritism. It’s difficult but necessary to resist all feelings of resentment. Prayer brings grace and grace brings strength and help from God. It’s in these moments when you must be convinced that to do good and practice virtue is not because your parents expect it, but because it pleases God. The trials and difficulties of life are the means God uses to purify us, making us realize what truly matters, and ultimately draw us closer to Him.

 

[Josef]

Hey All,
Josh2010, may I suggest you change your focus. Be pleasing unto God and don't worry about how others perceive it. Don't change yourself for anybody and don't ask them to change for you. Don't force a relationship ( friend, buddy, or pal) if it is not natural. You know what you can deal with and what is too much. When we get to too much we let them know with all the love in our hearts that what they are asking, or suggesting, goes beyond what our faith allows. If they cannot respect that, you just found out that they are not your friend. If they can accept our limits, we probably have a good friend. Don't compromise your faith or your limits. Being honest is better than being sorry.
Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz

 

[for_his_glory]

Hi Josh2010 It can be hard at your young age to find others that have the same faith in Christ that you have. Also peer pressure plays a lot in what others think we should be or do that is of the worldly pleasures we are to abstain from as being a true child of God. If you haven't already try finding a youth group, whether it be your church or another in your area, you can become involved in and make friends this way. Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian are truly one, but you will know them by the fruits they speak and the actions they perform.

God bless you and may God multiply many good friends in your life.

 

[WIP]

There are just a lot of people who don't live up to the virtues I was taught to live up to.

I can't put it any other way. But then I have realised that it isn't my place to be judging others when they are probably broken in certain ways.

Maybe they weren't taught the same virtues that you were.

Something else to consider. Are you sure the virtues that you live by are perfect and righteous before God? I know I'm not. Are there areas that you need to work on too? I know I do.

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

Maybe they weren't taught the same virtues that you were.

Something else to consider. Are you sure the virtues that you live by are perfect and righteous before God? I know I'm not. Are there areas that you need to work on too? I know I do.

I don't think so. People have judged me a lot for small things but if I was not trying to be a better person I would not be taking my belief in God seriously to begin with.

 

[miamited]

It's hard sometimes to build a friendship with people around my age, plus it's hard to relate to some of the older (hypercritical) generation who cast judgement as if they were the lord.

Hey Josh2010

I'm curious what you're asking a question about. You don't really discuss anything relating to the title in your OP. Rather you're decrying why friendships can be so hard.

However, I see that you're pretty young and I'm going to assume that you want to know why so many, who have expressed a faith in God...turn back sometimes as they continue living their lives. I would encourage that you remind yourself of the parable of the sower. There were actually two groups of seeds that fell on soil types that allowed the seed to at first root and grow, but then they were stunted off and died. As Jesus describes to us, one of those seed types lose their growth because of outside influences that the person allows to take over what they know the truth to be, with the lie. The other just doesn't provide the proper growth medium for feeding and caring for one's faith.

Both of these archetypes are for us to understand that people walk away from faith in Jesus because of outside influences that attract them away from the truth, to the lie, And also for those who don't nurture their faith with some nutritional value, i.e., studying God's word, praying, spending time with God's people. Out of those two groups, as they mature from their initial faith to their eventual lack of faith, they will be seen by us as people who walked away from the faith.

Outside influences can be school, work, home, family life. I was careful to counsel my son as he was heading off to college to be careful about accepting what you were told about things so far as their going against the teachings of the Scriptures. And to also be careful of the 'friends' that he gathered around him while there.

God bless,
Ted

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

Hey Josh2010

I'm curious what you're asking a question about. You don't really discuss anything relating to the title in your OP. Rather you're decrying why friendships can be so hard.

However, I see that you're pretty young and I'm going to assume that you want to know why so many, who have expressed a faith in God...turn back sometimes as they continue living their lives. I would encourage that you remind yourself of the parable of the sower. There were actually two groups of seeds that fell on soil types that allowed the seed to at first root and grow, but then they were stunted off and died. As Jesus describes to us, one of those seed types lose their growth because of outside influences that the person allows to take over what they know the truth to be, with the lie. The other just doesn't provide the proper growth medium for feeding and caring for one's faith.

Both of these archetypes are for us to understand that people walk away from faith in Jesus because of outside influences that attract them away from the truth, to the lie, And also for those who don't nurture their faith with some nutritional value, i.e., studying God's word, praying, spending time with God's people. Out of those two groups, as they mature from their initial faith to their eventual lack of faith, they will be seen by us as people who walked away from the faith.

Outside influences can be school, work, home, family life. I was careful to counsel my son as he was heading off to college to be careful about accepting what you were told about things so far as their going against the teachings of the Scriptures. And to also be careful of the 'friends' that he gathered around him while there.

God bless,
Ted

Moving from place to place is part of my life currently too. I have seen a lot of negative things between people in America today and it is very hard for me to continue a relationship with some people.

I think the most important thing is my own personal relationship with God and how I move forward with my life. School isn't a that bad of an experience for me. More so the neighborhood my family is currently in (moving soon)

I haven't always had good people around me in my current school and I hope to be around more mature/relatable people who are less toxic in how they treat me.

 

[Tenchi]

"Why do so many people stray from God?"​

1.) Because they don't know Him.

Lots of people have a false understanding of who God is and, as a result, are trying to know and interact with a non-existent, false god. After a while, they give up this fruitless effort, thinking "God" (that is, their mistaken idea of God) is either a fantasy, or is distant and unreachable, and impotent/unwilling to act in direct and positive ways in their lives.

2.) Because they love themselves more than God.

Human beings are incorrigibly selfish. It's this selfishness that is the ultimate root of all their sin. They want their own will and way, not God's. And so, they stray from Him when their way diverges from His.

 

[hawkman]

True. But the actions of others rub off on us at times. I can't be responsible for the sins of siblings or even parents.

Yes they can but it is up to you if the actions become part of you . Be non-stick like Teflon .

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

"Why do so many people stray from God?"​

1.) Because they don't know Him.

Lots of people have a false understanding of who God is and, as a result, are trying to know and interact with a non-existent, false god. After a while, they give up this fruitless effort, thinking "God" (that is, their mistaken idea of God) is either a fantasy, or is distant and unreachable, and impotent/unwilling to act in direct and positive ways in their lives.

2.) Because they love themselves more than God.

Human beings are incorrigibly selfish. It's this selfishness that is the ultimate root of all their sin. They want their own will and way, not God's. And so, they stray from Him when their way diverges from His.

I do trust in God's will. Despite how the world is going through difficult times, when I pray for guidance I feel more positive about the future.

 

[Tenchi]

I do trust in God's will. Despite how the world is going through difficult times, when I pray for guidance I feel more positive about the future.

God tells us in His word that if we want to be filled with Him, with His life and power, we must submit to Him - all day, every day. See: Romans 6:13-22; Romans 8:14; Romans 12:1; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:6. Trusting God is not submitting to Him; depending upon God is not submission to Him; obeying God is not submitting to Him. These things might overlap with submission to God, but submission is its own thing, distinct from these other things that are often mistaken for submission.

So, when you pray for guidance, do you do so from a life that's been consciously, explicitly, and daily submitted to God? When you think to trust God, do you do so from a will that's been yielded to His? If not, if you're depending upon and trusting in God but you have neglected to submit also to Him, then what you experience of God is going to be very...tepid. You see, you stand before God in one of two ways all the time. Every day, you are either a loving servant of God, surrendered to His will and way, or you are a rebel, following your own will and way. You can't be both at the same time, nor is there a third option. If you aren't submitted to God, you are a rebel toward Him; and if you are a rebel, God is your opponent, He resists all rebels toward Him - even, and especially, if they're His own children.

James 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 ...Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God...

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
5 ...for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So trust God, absolutely. And, yes, pray daily for His guidance. But before these things, make sure you are doing so as a consciously, explicitly submitted servant of your Maker, not a rebel.

 

[Sebastian-Jayce]

God tells us in His word that if we want to be filled with Him, with His life and power, we must submit to Him - all day, every day. See: Romans 6:13-22; Romans 8:14; Romans 12:1; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:6. Trusting God is not submitting to Him; depending upon God is not submission to Him; obeying God is not submitting to Him. These things might overlap with submission to God, but submission is its own thing, distinct from these other things that are often mistaken for submission.

So, when you pray for guidance, do you do so from a life that's been consciously, explicitly, and daily submitted to God? When you think to trust God, do you do so from a will that's been yielded to His? If not, if you're depending upon and trusting in God but you have neglected to submit also to Him, then what you experience of God is going to be very...tepid. You see, you stand before God in one of two ways all the time. Every day, you are either a loving servant of God, surrendered to His will and way, or you are a rebel, following your own will and way. You can't be both at the same time, nor is there a third option. If you aren't submitted to God, you are a rebel toward Him; and if you are a rebel, God is your opponent, He resists all rebels toward Him - even, and especially, if they're His own children.

James 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 ...Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God...

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
5 ...for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So trust God, absolutely. And, yes, pray daily for His guidance. But before these things, make sure you are doing so as a consciously, explicitly submitted servant of your Maker, not a rebel.

I try to be true to the virtues of the bible and free from pride/sin. Life is very much distracting with so many people who have expectations of each other. I'm not as into materialism/money so that is probably a good start.

 

[Tenchi]

I try to be true to the virtues of the bible and free from pride/sin. Life is very much distracting with so many people who have expectations of each other. I'm not as into materialism/money so that is probably a good start.

Well, the great thing about knowing and walking with God is that when we live in submission to Him day-by-day, He changes us! And when He does, we don't have to fight with ourselves to change ourselves, growing exhausted and frustrated with not being able to be godly on a consistent and ever-growing basis. When God does the changing of us, we get stronger and stronger instead of just hanging on by our fingernails, barely able to stuff down our lust, or anger, or fear, or whatever. When God changes us, we get to know more and more about Him, not just our own limits and weakness. It's good stuff - the life we were all made for, actually.

Keep on keeping on!