The Money Pot

He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

I may not thrill a lot of people with today's blog; but, I am still trying to figure out this whole madness over the powerball lottery thing. I am amazed at how much money can be gathered from people who are willing to gamble on becoming rich beyond their dreams. When I listen to what some would do with the money, I cannot help but wonder how long it would be before they would be filing for bankruptcy. I also wonder how many really destitute that amount of money could feed or clothe or shelter. Maybe at least half of the proceeds from each of these lotteries could go toward shelters for the homeless? I mean, who really needs a billion dollars? Seems like a lot for one or two people to manage who have no experience managing even hundreds of thousands.

There are real people who are really destitute in this country. They cannot afford to buy powerball tickets. They use what pennies they have to try to feed themselves. Using the profit from lotteries for the betterment of society has been, in fact, attempted. It doesn't seem to have worked too well. Years ago, when Michigan was pushing for a lottery, funding the school system from the lottery was a priority that was being touted. The schools in Michigan are still in a pretty bad financial state and so are our roads. Gambling no matter in what form brings about many problems along with the benefits it might bring to a few.

We cannot let money manage us. It is up to us as individuals, businesses, and governments to manage money for the betterment of all. I live near the first Indian Casino that was ever opened in this country. To their credit, the tribe has learned to manage their earnings to benefit the whole community, both Native Americans and non-Native. However, not all individuals who frequent the casino have learned what it means to manage their money.

There is a lot of hope placed in the chance of winning by some who play the lotteries. It benefits a few; but, has the potential of doing great damage to others.  

Many of my friends and family members gamble. For the most part they are not extravagant in their placing their bets. Although, I have worried about at least a few of them. Personally, I do not find gambling a good stewardship model for me. I could throw the money in the pot to make someone else a million or billionaire or I could throw it in a pot and feed a hungry person.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains." 1 Timothy 6:10

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 10 - Art and Gambling: Sins?

Art is art. We are to ensure that we do not worship it.... There is only one God. We are to fear and love Him above all things.

Hear what the Lord says to you, people of Israel. This is what the Lord says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations
    or be terrified by signs in the heavens,
    though the nations are terrified by them.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
    they cut a tree out of the forest,
    and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
They adorn it with silver and gold;
    they fasten it with hammer and nails
    so it will not totter.
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm
    nor can they do any good.”

No one is like you, Lord;
    you are great,
    and your name is mighty in power.
Who should not fear you,
    King of the nations?
    This is your due.
Among all the wise leaders of the nations
    and in all their kingdoms,    there is no one like you." (Jer 10:1-7)

 

On my front step is a carved bear holding a welcome sign. Is this a false god or art? I propose that it is merely an art form. I do not worship it. I just happen to like black bears so my son gave it to me as a gift. This piece of art does not, in any way, come before my worship of God or of doing His will. It is not a false god. Idolatry (sin) comes into play when the objects of our affections damage the relationship we have with God and with others whom He has called us to love and serve.

 

Likewise, yesterday, the subject of gambling came up. It was suggested very strongly that any gambling is a sin. The problem with that is that most of us gamble quite often. Whenever we buy insurance we are actually betting against ourselves. We are betting that something bad is going to happen and we're going to need the insurance companies to bail us out. When we invest in stock; we are betting that the stock will go up and we will have enough to retire on when we are no longer are able to work to provide for our needs. I do not see gambling, in itself, as the sin. It becomes a sin when it begins to interfere with our relationship with God and with others. It becomes a sin when the love of money causes us to pursue this means of gain to the detriment of ourselves and our families. It becomes a sin, when every penny we have is invested in the hope of "luck" rather than the hope founded in Jesus the Christ. It becomes a sin, when our families do without necessities (even losing our homes) because we are trusting that "good fortune" will come to us by spending our days and nights in the casino. It becomes a sin when every penny left over goes to our gambling habits and there is none left for the work of the LORD. It becomes a sin when our neighbors are hungry and we have enough to share with them; but, we'd rather spend it gambling.

 

Like eating, or drinking, or many other activities, I am not convinced that gambling is a sin (though I prefer not to indulge in it, myself, as I cannot imagine trusting a slot machine to provide for me as my Father does and why would I invest the gifts He has given me to chance? I believe He would prefer I invest in His Kingdom - His people). It becomes a sin when we trust in luck (idolatry) to win unearned riches that we desire (idolatry). It becomes a sin when it becomes a priority over worshipping God and over loving and caring for our family, neighbors and friends. 

 

Jeremiah warns against idolatry, as do all the prophets. There is only one God. We should so fear, love, and trust Him above all others. There is none like Him.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 115 - Tear Down Those False Gods!

It's been one of those weeks, no months. I was up at 2 a.m. this morning. Tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't, so here I am, thinking and writing.

Anyone remember the name Carrie Nation? She was the hatchet lady from the temperance movement in the 1900's. She went around destroying saloons with a hatchet. Carrie believed that these "false god's" were destroying the country.

Even though she is an intriguing character from America's history, I'm not advocating following Carrie Nation's lead. In all reality she probably was mentally ill. She never attacked people, but she was really luck no one got hurt or even killed.

Anyone remember what Moses did to that golden calf, that Aaron had created for the people, when Moses came down from the mountain after receiving the ten commandments from God?  Yes, he destroyed it. There were a few prophets and kings who did a bit of destruction to the false idols that people built. They believed God's word that these things were leading them away from the good things, the good life, that God wanted them to receive.

My point this morning is that maybe we should consider how it is our false gods are destroying this country. I woke up this morning thinking of all the damage that alcohol, drugs, and gambling have done in the lives of people I care about.  There are other false gods, such as gold and silver, social status, fame, self, etc.. Just about anything in this world, even if it is a good thing, can become a false god, when it begins to be the center of our lives.  Temperance actually means moderation, not abstinance. But, if something cannot be enjoyed in moderation, than abstinance would be a real good idea. Making things our gods is a bad idea and will lead to destruction rather than living an abundant life.  You'd be surprised how pleasant real life, lived in and with Christ, actually is.

I see so much misery around me. When I am called for emergency pastoral care, other than for the sick and dying, it normally has something to do with one of these three false gods: drugs, alcohol, or gambling.  There are times when I am asked to help someone financially because of unemployment or sickness or just a case of stuff happened beyond their control and they need emergency aid. That is one of the things the church (and Christians) on earth does. But,  most of the time the problems are related to one of these three: alcohol, drugs, gambling.

Every now and then, someone will mention how blessed my life seems to be. They can't seem to figure out why that would be. I am not rich, by any stretch of the imagination. I'll tell you my secret, because it is no secret, as the songs goes, what God can do.

I try my utmost to stay away from the false gods that lead to destruction. Sure, I am tempted. But, I stay away. I stay away because I want life. I like the life that God gives me in His presence.

I remember Carrie Nation. She was a zealot, for sure. But, sometimes, as I watch the pain and suffering caused by these false gods, I cannot help but smile as I think of her dedication (maybe mis-directed) to remove the false gods from our lives.

It's up to us, not Carrie Nation, not even Moses, to remove the false gods from our own lives. I say this out of love, not judgment: Tear them down! For your own sake, tear them down! Worship and give praise to the one true God, the only God, who can give you life and life abundant, here in this world and the Kingdom to come.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 31 - Worthless Idols

I went to bed last night and woke again this morning thinking about the worthless idols that people whom I love worship.  It is very sad to know that rather than God, people that I care about would worship these inanimate objects.  Even sadder is the fact that they don't realize that they are doing this, so there is no repentance.  They cannot change until they see the light. 

I have been told more times than I can count: "I believe. That is enough."  But, what do you believe?  Do you believe that the money you're trying to win gambling online is going to save you?  It's more likely to bury you.  And... even if you do win, will it really bring you happiness?  Why do you waste the hours, the days, the life that God has given you to such worthless pursuits? Do you really believe that the drugs (even if they are legal prescriptions) and the alcohol are going to bring you peace?  What's up with that, anyway?  Has all sense departed this world?

God has given us and continues to give us an abundance of gifts. But, we set them aside to pursue things of this world.  What's up with that?

David wrote in the Psalm today:  "I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord."  (vs 6 NIV) Unlike David, I do not hate those who cling to worthless idols.  Rather, I pray for those who have fallen into the trap of worshipping them, to their own demise.  They will not know peace until they turn to the LORD.  And... living without the peace of God is not a place I'd wish upon anyone.

May God help us all to worship the one true God and receive the blessings He has so richly given us through Jesus Christ, our LORD and Saviour. 

How abundant are the good things that God has stored up for those who fear Him, that He bestows in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in Him! (vs 19)

God's Peace - Pr. J