Simply Scriptural Saturday | Does Your View of God Match Your Actions?

"Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning."  - C. S. Lewis, British author, literary scholar and Anglican lay theologian (1898-1963)

Key Scripture Passage: Psalm 53:1-6 (NIV)

We often think of atheists as people who intellectually deny the existence of God. However, the Bible speaks of another, perhaps more dangerous, kind of fool: the "practical atheist."

Opening Question: According to verse 1, the "fool" says in his heart, "There is no God." In what ways can we act like "practical atheists" (living as if God doesn't exist) even if we believe in Him intellectually?

Though they might claim faith on Sundays, practical atheists live Monday through Saturday as if God is irrelevant. They don't deny God's existence, but they completely disregard His influence on their daily life and character. 

Today, we explore "practical atheism" through Psalm 53, challenging believers to align their daily actions with their professed faith. This study highlights that true belief shapes character, while ignoring God's presence leads to corruption.

First, let’s look at the root cause or the heart of the "fool."

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. (Psalm 53:1)

"In his heart" isn’t just an intellectual debate; it’s a matter of desire. The heart refuses to submit to God’s authority. In Scripture, a "fool" (nabal,נָבָל) is not someone lacking intelligence, but someone who is morally depraved, impious, and wicked.

As you may have gathered, the inevitable result of this is corruption, as per the rest of the verse. When we live as if God does not see us or hold us accountable, we naturally devolve into selfish, “vile” actions.

 

David observes here that "no one does good." In other words, without an active, living fear of God, humanity (including ourselves) turns away from true, godly goodness.

Pause and Reflect: Are you guilty of this? Do you live with the quiet assumption that God is distant, disinterested, or that your "private life" is hidden from Him?

Next, let’s examine the traits of one who lives without regard for God; specifically, ignoring the image of God. 

Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God. (Psalm 53:4)

Because the practical atheist doesn’t truly respect God, they fail to respect the "image of God" in other people. They disregard, or "devour" people, using them for their own gain rather than loving them.

Additionally, practical atheists rarely call on God because they rely on their own strength, wealth, or intellect. Essentially, they lead a "prayerless" life.

Pause and Reflect: Are you guilty of this? Are you treating people—colleagues, family, service workers—as obstacles or tools instead of beings created in the image of God?

Finally, the "fool" may feel free for a time, but the Psalm warns of a sudden shift in reality: God has the final word!

But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. (Psalm 53:5)

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Psalm 53:6)

Although the practical atheist may feel secure because they believe they are in control, this is a myth of security. God will bring a moment where their false confidence turns into "dread."

Verse 5 conveys that God is not distant. He is keenly aware of the wicked acts of the "fool" and will intervene, bringing justice and defending His people. 

Lastly, this psalm ends with a cry for salvation, as seen in Verse 6. It serves to remind us that while we are all prone to this “folly,” God offers mercy and restoration to those who turn back to Him.

I hope these following suggestions help you move from simply going through the motions to living with intentional faith.

• Ask for Guidance: Invite God into the mundane, “non-religious” parts of your day—work, driving, shopping, and parenting.
• Re-evaluate Character: If your view of God is purely theoretical, your character will be shaped by the world. If your view is that God is present, holy, and loving, your character will be shaped by Him.
• See the Image in Others: Treat every person you encounter today with the dignity due to a creation of God.

Up For Discussion:

• In what specific areas of your life (finances, entertainment, treatment of others) is it easiest to act like a "practical atheist"?
• How does understanding that others are made in God’s image change the way you interact with difficult people?
• Why does David call the person who lives without God a "fool" even if they are highly intelligent?
• How does the knowledge that God has "the final word" bring both comfort and warning?

Final Thoughts: Psalm 53 highlights that ignoring God’s presence in our daily interactions is foolish. We must ensure our actions match our faith, living with the awareness that God sees all and will render final judgment.

Prayer: "Lord, deliver us from a "foolish" heart that ignores Your presence. Shape our character to be true, loving, and just, and help us to live as people who know You will have the final word. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Blessings and joy to you,

Nataly