“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Ps. 14:1). We might think the word “fool” means a weakness in intellect. And while that might be true, the word “fool” in the Hebrew means moral perversity. Certainly it’s foolish to not believe in God, but living like there is no God is far worse.
A life that rejects God always lives as if there is no God. This isn’t just mental denial in the existence of God, this is a practical rejection. The psalmist says the unbeliever acts corruptly, does abominable works, and does no good. The primary characteristic of not believing in God is the choice to live a godless life. The fool rejects God with his intellect, and his behavior reflects that belief. His actions are corrupt, he does things that are contrary to godliness.
Some may argue that atheists and unbelievers can do some works worth labeling “good.” However, in the eyes of God, they are not good because their deeds are not done to glorify Him.
On the other hand, there are some self-proclaimed Christians whose actions undo their profession. They live as if the God they claim to believe in doesn’t exist. They never pray, never share the gospel, and attempt to live as close to the world as they possibly can. Jesus said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matt. 15:8).
Brothers and sisters, it’s imperative that we not scoff at the atheist’s lack of faith, while we live as if God doesn’t exist. Our lives should embody the God we profess to believe in with our actions and lifestyle.