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Running Around in My Mind

I love information. New knowledge. Reading up on subjects.

Like now.

The rampant gambling epidemic that is so evident where I live so troubles me. I am angry. I began to wonder why. I answered me, "Because it's wrong." Then I asked myself, "Why is it wrong?" Being a Christian, I focused my search on why it was wrong for a Christian to gamble. Thanks to Google I was able to find answers, answers that surprised me. It may not be wrong, i.e. a specified sin, but it definitely is an unwise choice. It also runs smack up against the Christian view of work ethics and is a slippery slide into the grips of addiction, a condition Christians are strongly warned against as we should only be addicted to God, to have one Lord, one Master, one thing that grips our life and demands our time, money and attention. God. So I am rather settled as to why a Christian should not opt for gambling as a source of income.

As for non-believers, it is evident that poverty, difficulty in getting work or well paying work will powerfully push them to opt for gambling as a source of income. This knowledge was an a-ha moment for me. Now I see why there are so many gambling centers here: people are poor, people are unable to get jobs; jobs are not paying well. Yet, prices are going up and NEED drives many to gamble with the HOPE of getting some cash. Yet sadly, it's an evil baited hook that will lead to addiction, loan sharks, loss, destruction of families and bondage. Evil snare.

Then there's my constant search for wisdom for success from successful people and pastors. One pastor announced he will now be an entrepreneurial pastor, while articles subscribed and emailed to me clog up my email Inbox. So many voices, so many suggestions and tips to becoming the best pastor who grows the greatest church. I am tired and grown weary of these 'words of wisdom' especially when they come form an American, white, middle class perspective. Can I really translate all that works for them here in Kota Samarahan? How much of it depends on my capacity, which I have been told is small, and my earnest implementation of their 5-steps to a successful church? Yet I read on. make notes. Even stop to imagine success. All because I want to be the best. I want to be successful as a pastor (whatever that means). I want to see my congregation grow and make an impact in the community and add to the number of converts to Christianity. o I keep reading, looking for that Holy Grail, the key that will help bring to reality my want.

Lastly, I am now reading up to explain to my congregation what on earth is 'The Blessed Hope' and why are we to be so excited and longing for it. Got some Interesting articles (provided by Google) to read and digest. Got a 'terrible' question to answer: Why am I not eagerly longing, looking forward to this Blessed Hope? Piper has three possible reasons and they trouble me. What about you? Are you all pumped up and eagerly looking for to the Blessed Hope? Will be reading up, making notes, teaching it and maybe even come up with an article or booklet and maybe a change of desire or an answer to my 'terrible' question which I can live with.

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