Unbelievers Take Part in God’s Plan...

When it comes to responsibility, even unbelievers have to take part in God’s plan. What I mean is when God uses unbelievers to play a role in His plan, especially when He uses them to discipline His children, there is an expected level of responsibility that goes along with it. The Babylonians abused their role in God’s plan, and so, paid the ultimate price. We as human beings have to be responsible, regardless of what we believe. How we treat others matters. It’s sad when you think about the attitudes and direction America is going today. People want their freedom, they want their rights, but they are not willing to accept the responsibility that goes along with those rights. These checks and balances are what makes our republic work. Without them, our structure will not last. People will do anything for money; lie, steal, cheat, or even kill for it. They think this monetary reward will bring them something incredible. The truth is, it will bring them something incredible, but it’s incredibly painful and destructive. You can’t have freedom and rights without responsibility. Life doesn’t work that way. You may enjoy your freedom for a short while, but it will eventually crumble without responsibility. True freedom is always balanced with proper restraint. Without God, it’s not possible.

For I was angry with My chosen people and punished them by letting them fall into your hands.But you, Babylon, showed them no mercy.You oppressed even the elderly.7 You said, ‘I will reign forever as queen of the world!’You did not reflect on your actionsor think about their consequences. 8 “Listen to this, you pleasure-loving kingdom,living at ease and feeling secure.You say, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.I will never be a widow or lose my children.’9 Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment:widowhood and the loss of your children.Yes, these calamities will come upon you,despite all your witchcraft and magic. 10 “You felt secure in your wickedness.‘No one sees me,’ you said.But your ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ have led you astray,and you said, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.’11 So disaster will overtake you,and you won’t be able to charm it away.Calamity will fall upon you,and you won’t be able to buy your way out.A catastrophe will strike you suddenly,one for which you are not prepared. Isaiah 47:6-11