It’s a question almost everyone has asked at some point: Why do good things happen to people who aren’t living right?
You try to do the right thing, live with integrity, and follow God’s way — yet it sometimes feels like others who cut corners or live however they want seem to be the ones getting ahead.
If you’ve ever wondered about that, you’re not alone. But the Bible gives us wisdom, clarity, and comfort in understanding how God works — and why temporary success never tells the whole story.
1. God’s Principles Work for Anyone Who Applies Them
God created the world with spiritual laws the same way He created natural laws.
You don’t have to be saved for gravity to work — and you don’t have to be saved for the law of sowing and reaping to work either.
Galatians 6:7 teaches, “A man reaps what he sows.”
That means:
- If someone works hard, they may prosper.
- If someone saves wisely, they may grow wealth.
- If someone is generous, people often respond with favor.
These principles operate whether a person acknowledges God or not. Sometimes we see “bad people” succeeding simply because they are applying principles God designed into the world.
Their success is not proof of righteousness — it’s evidence that God’s systems work.
2. Earthly Success Is Not the Same as God’s Blessing
It’s important to remember that what we call “success” isn’t always success in God’s eyes.
A person can have money and still be empty.
They can have influence and still lack peace.
They can achieve goals and still feel far from God.
Psalm 37 reminds us not to envy evildoers because “they will soon fade like grass.” Temporary success can look impressive, but it doesn’t hold eternal weight.
God’s blessing isn’t measured by what someone has — it’s measured by the peace, purpose, and security found in a life anchored to Him.
3. God’s Kindness Is an Invitation, Not Approval
Romans 2:4 tells us that “the kindness of God leads us to repentance.”
Sometimes the good things we see happening in someone’s life are actually God’s mercy in action. He gives people time, opportunity, provision, and moments of grace so that their hearts might soften toward Him.
His goodness is not a stamp of approval on their behavior — it’s an open door toward transformation.
4. God Sees the Whole Story — We Only See a Moment
From our perspective, it can seem like life isn’t fair. But God sees every detail:
- He sees motives.
- He sees hidden struggles.
- He sees the future we cannot see.
Psalm 73 describes a moment when the writer was frustrated seeing the wicked prosper — until he entered the presence of God and understood their end.
God’s justice may not be immediate, but it is always perfect. Nothing escapes His eyes, and nothing is outside His timing.
5. Stay Focused on Your Assignment, Not Someone Else’s Outcome
Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.”
Your harvest is coming.
Your breakthrough is coming.
Your reward is coming.
But it will come God’s way and in God’s timing. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s temporary moment. The blessing God has for you will be steady, lasting, and rooted.
Final Thought
So why do good things happen to people who aren’t living for God? Sometimes it’s because His principles are at work. Sometimes it’s His mercy drawing them closer. And sometimes it’s simply a reminder that what we see with our eyes is never the full picture.
But for those who walk with God, the promise is this: your harvest will come, and it will be built on a foundation that lasts.
Your obedience is not wasted. Your faithfulness is not forgotten. And your blessing will not fade — it will endure.
If this message encouraged you or helped bring clarity, we invite you to explore more of our teachings and sermons online or join us in person. Each week we share messages designed to strengthen faith, bring understanding, and help you experience God in deeper, more personal ways.
Whether you come with questions or with confidence, you are welcome — because both can lead you closer to Him.