A Contradiction? (Part 3)

Parts 1 and 2 of this blog launched from the story of my friend losing his job and ultimately his home, all the while tithing to God.  Let’s continue this discussion.

Sometimes the promises of God do seem to contradict our way of thinking.  For example, what about those heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, who walked in faith and yet did not realize the outcome of promises received?  God's promises are unfailing, but His timing is often called into question by we, who hold on indefinitely without seeing the results of promises given.  God sees the larger picture, so we are called upon to place our total trust and faith in His all-sustaining grace.

May I share a personal struggle I had when a promise in the Scriptures seemed to contradict reality?  Psalm 91:11 says, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."  However, in March 1995 my in-laws (pastors) were traveling in a foggy rain to visit a man in an Indianapolis hospital.  Just outside of Frankfort, another preacher ran a stop sign, resulting in the instant death of my father-in-law and five weeks later my mother-in-law.  That accident ushered in some of the most trying days of my life.

What happened seemed to directly contradict the promise of Psalm 91:11.  No, I did not get bitter, but I certainly questioned the Lord as to His ways.  Is the Bible true?  Yes indeed! However, God's ways are above ours; His thoughts are higher than ours.  He's sovereign (all-powerful) and we're not.  He makes decisions based out of His sovereignty.  To us, these times may seem to contradict His Word.  Times of inexplicable loss have always plagued the hearts of men.  Ask Job!

My friend lost his good job and now his home.  I don't know the reasons why, and I would not begin to wax eloquently or even to defend what may appear to be God's indifference. What I do know, however, is that because he has been faithful with his tithes and offerings, God is obligated to fulfill His Word in his life.  What appears to be so unfair and contradictory in the scheme of life and God's promises, I believe, will "produce for [you] an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).  Remember In the end, God blessed Job with what he lost and more!

This is not "preacher talk," but if we obsess over the inequities and all the unfair things that happen to us in this life, we could very well jeopardize our faith and become cynical, even bitter.  I encouraged my friend to look ahead and believe that God has placed a "replacement clause" in his life.  Job came out on top and he will, too!  

Are you facing financial loss or difficulties?  Keep tithing.  Keep giving offerings as He directs.  And know that in the future you have every right to make heavenly withdrawals because you have made earthly deposits.  I believe God will turn your circumstances around for your good and His glory.

The Bible and Gambling

The word “gambling” cannot be found in the Bible.  However, like so many other issues in life, the Bible does contain timeless principles that apply.  We cannot assume that an activity is right or wrong simply because it is not mentioned.

Some try to support gambling by comparing it to the "casting of lots," which we read about in both the Old and New Testaments.  Although casting of lots was common among many ancient cultures, usually this method was employed when people had to make a decision; and in most instances, casting lots was simply a way of determining something impartially.  We remember that Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments at His crucifixion.

What about today?  While casinos and lotteries promise thrills and excitement, people gamble to try to win money.  However, the Scriptures give very specific instructions about what our attitude should be toward money.  "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.  This too is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).  Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13).  Paul reminds us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10).

In one sense, incessant gambling is a way to bypass work, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard.  Proverbs 10:4 says, "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Another key principle in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them.  Those who habitually gamble may believe they earn their money with their own labor and may spend it as they please.  Yet, God gives us talent and health to carry out our jobs.  Wise stewardship of any extra monies calls believers to invest it, give it into the work of the Lord, or to save it for emergencies, rather than lose it in games in which the odds are stacked against the player.  Sometimes people who gamble use monies that should rightfully go toward their family's needs.

Gambling also promotes covetous attitudes.  The Scriptures speak directly to this possibility.  Exodus 20:17 says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house.  You shall not coven your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."  Sadly, gamblers many times covet the things money can buy, such as cars, boats, houses, expensive jewelry and clothing.  Gambling also has the potential to turn into an addiction, like drugs or alcohol.  

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, two million American adults are pathological gamblers and another four to six million are problem gamblers.  Such addictions destroy family stability, lead to job loss and cause a person to lose control of his life.  2 Peter 2:19 says, "...for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."

Finally, gambling provides a sense of false hope.  Participants place their hope in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their hope in God.  The Bible clearly supports the idea that our hope is in God alone, not money, power or position.  My Christian friend, let the Holy Spirit guide you in this respect.  I have simply offered principles to guide you.  Proceed with caution!