Bible Thoughts

January 30, 2000

A Christian is both a friend and friendly. The disciple cultivates friends by being friendly. The Christian wants to convert and influence others to be Christians. Not many people would influence their enemies, but they do influence their friends. Hence, being friendly toward others will enable the disciple to lead others to want to follow the way of truth.

Friendliness should exist not only toward those we come in contact from day to day, but should also be shown among those who are Christians. It does not take great effort and sacrifice to cultivate this quality. Christians have much in common. Their concern and interest should lead them to be able to converse with those of like mind. They should be delighted with the opportunity of sharing with brethren and sisters in Christ. This friendliness should be shown to all of the saints, not just a few of those whom we select.

Friendliness is helpful to the one who shows it. It will make one a more understanding person in regards to others. You will share in their victories and in their disappointments. As one gains an insight into the other saint’s circumstances, there arises opportunities to help and encourage a fellow Christian.

Friendliness is helpful to the one who accepts it. Such a person becomes aware of the fact that other disciples care about them and it will enhance one’s positive view of self. When a Christian is being friendly to another Christian, a special bond develops that can be found in no other relationship. Brought to the realization that we all belong to the God that made each of us and saved each of us, we are made strong through accepting, as well as giving, the friendship that binds us together in love of the Lord and love of the truth. Be friendly; it pays now and in eternity.

Friendliness should not be confined to the time before and after services. Friendship should be shown at such times, but there are other occasions as well. Do you seek the association and friendship of Christians in other activities? Do you have Christians in your home? Do you go to the homes of other Christians? Do you go places with other Christians? Do you take the time to call other Christians and inquire about their welfare or to encourage them in their efforts to please the Lord? Be friendly, always.

Paul instructs the Christians at Thessalonica to learn to be quiet, mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands. Gossips, meddlers and idlers are not living as Christians. The world is filled with such folks, but when one becomes a disciple, he/she is to be an energetic and dedicated follower of the truth in the gospel.

The world does not have the same values as found among Christians. Many in the world scheme to dominate, to meddle, and to find an easy way to have funds without working. At the same time, there are those who would try to take one’s prosperity from the diligent worker by various means.

A major problem of the last few years in our society is gambling and it has spread like wildfire. For the gambler, it is seen as an easy approach to “get ahead.” For the ones who are sponsoring the gambling, it is a ready and easy source to increase one’s wealth. The facts: based on probability, one has a far greater “chance” of being killed in a car wreck than winning the lottery.

Gambling stems from greed, that is, wanting to get something for nothing. While the Word of God speaks to several ways in which one may accumulate wealth, gambling is not in the list. Obviously, one may work and be paid for his time and effort. Inheritance is a legitimate way to accumulate wealth. Gifts can increase one’s status. Discovery(as minerals, etc.) would be proper(of course, one is “working” to find the source). Finding a “treasure” can also increase one’s wealth. Any approach that is mentioned in the Word of God as right would be acceptable for a Christian. Note: gambling is not on God’s list!

The sad part is that many of those who gamble simply cannot afford to lose the money they are wagering. Dreaming of a better life that can be had in a fast and easy manner they lose funds that are needed to live a proper life. It never occurs to such folks how the “odds” are stacked against them. Statistically, gambling is a loser: don’t gamble for it will make you a loser.

Government has entered the gambling field in a big way. The government run lottery takes in millions(billions?) each year. The Bible teaches that citizens pay their taxes in order to support civil authority. Not only is gambling sponsored by governmental agencies a bad example set for citizens, but it gives some a stamp of approval to do something that is wrong. They take that example and use bingo, horse-racing, sports, etc. to justify their own involvement. After all, if the law approves it, it must be right. Remember: God decides what is morally right, not humans.

Religious groups also use gambling as a means of raising funds. Such is not surprising: human religions are like the society in which they exist. They conform to the pressure to be “like the nations round about.”

Gambling can be highly addictive. Next time, “I will win” motivates one to continue to wager. There are even organizations that offer help to those who become so addicted. The best way: don’t start. If you gamble, quit!