Restraint

I wonder why someone would reject the idea of God or religion. It is a concept foreign to me. I was raised in a Christian household, my friends were Christians and a few Jews. It was not a topic we discussed much, it was just a matter of fact. Some were more active in the church than others, some shared more freely and some seldom spoke of it at all. Growing up I knew no one personally that denied the existence of God. Of course that was back in the day, back in the day when it wasn't " cool " to do so. I know it was the dark ages. Man is so much more enlightened now. Whatever the case may be the whole denial of a God, any God, is somewhat baffling to me. To some, I am sure they are just as baffled by my belief in something that requires no proof. Some require proof before belief. The error there is simple, if I have proof before belief, it is not belief , it is fact. Fact is fact and belief is belief, different things entirely.
The God that I believe in, and his son, have dictated a way of life. The Bible and other religious writings provide the basis for living a good life while on this earth. You could view them as rules. Rules provide restraint. Perhaps it is this restraint that the non believer objects too. None of us really enjoy following the rules all the time. We all like to cheat just a little bit, circumvent the rules. To the believer breaking these rules has consequences, serious consequences. Could it be that the non believer just wishes to be free of restraint ? If you do not believe, there can be no consequences, right ? Well, maybe, but I need proof. Can I be that sure ? That is where belief enters the equation. How can I prove that there are no consequences ? I can die. Problem there is only I will know because no one has ever returned from death to say otherwise. Well, one has, but that is a matter of belief as well.
As a general rule, man exercises restraint as a matter of course. It is wise to do so. This is learned from childhood. When we are young we do things unrestrained at times and suffer the consequences. The consequences may be an injury or a reprimand. We may believe we can get away with it but are soon proved wrong ! The proof followed the belief. Why should this not be so with life ? Will not proof follow my belief ? Is there any harm in the belief ? No, belief is not inherently wrong. Belief causes an action to occur. I believe, therefore I am. A lady named Rose Descartes said that and I believe it to be true. She also said " to know what people really think, pay regard to what they do, rather than the words they say. " I would also have to agree with that assessment.
I do believe those that profess no belief in God but follow his rules, living with restraint as it were, will not be denied the reward. The existence of God requires no proof but belief that he does. I believe therefore I am. A verbal denial is no more proof of non existence, than a verbal proclamation that he does. The proof lies in the action. It is my opinion that the non believer denies themselves. Their non belief does nothing to alter my belief. It is my belief that provides me with comfort in times of need and hope for the future. It is a place to turn when there are no answers. A place that requires no proof. My belief has turned to faith. It is this faith that sustains me. You do not believe ? It is my hope that one day you will discover the truth and in that truth find comfort. I also believe you already know the truth, you just don't want to admit to that truth.
What is real and what is not ? You only need to believe.