Christians and Foolish Risks

As I reflect on the recent tragedy, in the death of the young man in our church in the chute of a local bull riding event, many things I have to ponder.

Our bodies as Christians are to be first and foremost the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we give our lives to the Lord, we surrender our lives to Him. Where have we so learned that we as Christian can place our very lives in eminent danger by the participation of a dangerous and unnecessary hobby such as bull riding that serves no practical purpose or needed social benefit other than sheer so-called entertainment and or notoriety? What moral or good purpose does it serve? Can we place our lives at such well known risk such as this so called sport is without reaping the whirlwind? What literal difference is there in this sport, cowboy or not, that makes this unnecessary risk to life and health, any different than say toying with a deadly snake, or playing Russian roulette for sport and or money, and then saying that we are ‘giving God the praise’ if the gun hits on an empty chamber, or the snake fails to bite, and in doing so one is to win big bucks?

I can understand the world, with the allurements it has for the flesh, its desire to be seen as macho, sexy, or some other purely selfish desire, engaging in such activities, but where does the child of God, one who has supposedly given their lives to the Lord, gain the impetus for such unnecessary risk taking? It would seem to me that we have gone stark raving crazy by the allurements of the world to be entertained, raised on a pedestal as being macho or tough, or to reap a fast buck by a foolish means.

Does not Scripture instruct us to make our living by working with our hands? Where are the godly examples in Scripture of earning a living by such risk taking means that gains its impetus by the desire of others to satisfy some carnal desire to see others so risk their lives in foolish sport?

 

HP: Over the years you could say as much about many bank robbers and many committing adultery as well. How does this help us decide what is wise and in accordance to Scriptural admonition concerning activities for a Christian to be involved in?

 

HP: Prove that from Scripture.

 

HP: Ok. First, I was making the comment to Dustin about 'proving it' from Scripture because that was his comment to me concerning the age of accountability. He told me to prove it exists from Scripture. You can go back and read my remarks to him if you wish on the thread concerning cults I think, but the gist of my reasoning was that God has made some points clear to man apart from Scripture, by means of common sense. I also mentioned two clear references at least a couple of times that sets forth accountability to the law as not being applied to those truly ignorant or those that have no understanding of the law. They must have had no impact on him, or at least he has not made any remarks that would indicate they did that I have read.

On your point above. I was not in any way comparing bull riding to bank robbery or committing adultery. I was speaking to the fact of Billwald’s comment that at least he died doing what he enjoyed, as if though dying doing what we might enjoy for a moment has any real merit.

Now as to whether or not something is a sin, it matters not necessarily what the activity might be, but rather has God given us light that we should or should not partake in it. Things might be a sin to me that are not to anyone else. Things might be a sin to you that are not to me. Bull riding might be a sin for me, while not to anyone else. I do not believe one can categorically say that a particular activity such as bull riding, is or is not sin to them. It would depend on the light God has shed abroad in their heart either to partake or not in the activity, would it not?

 

HP: Many things that are good in some sense or in some measure, or at some times, can be indulged in for mere selfish reasons, and as such be sin.

No one is saying that sports are evil in and of themselves that I have heard, but just the same there be some sports that Christians might refrain from for many reasons. It may even be sin for one to participate in one or another for many reasons. That still does not necessarily make the sport ‘evil.’

We all would most likely admit that some sports are much higher risk than others. I wonder if there is any sport that you would feel would displease the Lord for you to participate in due to the risk involved of personal injury, excessive cost in time or finances to participate, etc. What are some of the guidelines one might have in place that might help to determine the activities we would participate in? Any thoughts?

 

HP: What about the notion that God wants the believer to be at the forefront of the attention, so that when one wins, and gives God the glory, God will be magnified before the world. This is used to justify participation in almost any venture , risky or not, that one could imagine. I even remember about one lady who said she was a stripper for Christ.

In the case of this local young bull rider, whatever glory God received was certainly short lived from my limited perspective. Had he chosen less risky behavior, it would have seemed more likely that God might have been able to receive praise over a far greater period of time. He might have been able to provide for his wife and three children over a longer period of time, both financially and spiritually. I cannot help but believe that poor choices can bring about terrible consequences………………..or should we all just be rejoicing because he evidently told some that he was a Christian, and has now gone on to his rewards?

Perhaps should we should all encourage risky behavior so as to facilitate reaping rewards early? Is it not often presented that they have gained by their early homecoming.?