Political Crossfire Forums

[toddytodd]

Hyde wrote: toddytodd wrote: Hyde wrote: toddytodd wrote: Gilbert1908 wrote: toddytodd wrote: ...to pray to win the lottery?
I have heard people say that and have never really heard a logical reason as to why it is wrong.
Any ideas?

Any form of selfishness is sinful.

In fact if you analyse sin it is nearly almost defined by our enduring selfishness and pride.

While I do appreciate the response to my question, I totally disagree in selfishness being sinful. I see no proof of that whatsoever. While being selfless is commendable for sure, I also don't buy into the idea that selfishness, as long as it doesn't harm others, is sin. If I want to have a bigger, nicer house, more and faster cars, the ability to vacation anywhere in the world, etc, that is not selfish.
I also don't agree with, nor see, how winning the lottery selfish. I would like more money to buy things for myself, as well as my family and my friends, donate to causes that are close to my heart, invest for my children's future, etc. I don't see that as selfish at all.
Granted all these things can be done with the money I currently have, (and I am grateful for what I currently have), but these things can not be done to the extent possible by winning $20 million.

and what if you took 1 million of the 20 million to keep for yourself and sent the rest to st. jude's children hospital. that doesnt seem very selfish to me.

But let's not think that by winning any amount of money automatically means some of it has to be given to charity or anyone else for that matter. That is totally dependent on the person. I would most certainly give money to specific causes, family and friends.

no, i'm not saying that. i'm just saying that that is something i would do and does that still make it bad if i am using the money for a good cause.

Sorry if it seemed as if I was accusing you - I was not. Just adding to your statement. I would say the only time it is bad to play the lottery is when (you don't win :-D ) you use your money that should go to pay other things that you need. To me, that would dictate a gambling problem. Giving in any regard, no matter if you win the money you are giving or earn it is a good thing in my opinion.

[Addison]

Self-righteousness is sinful, but the Gospels require at least self-respect. It is not sinful to pray for yourself in any way, but it is to pray only for yourself, and only think of yourself on all occasions. The Prayer of Jabes is a terrific example of how to pray for yourself while shunning pride and selfish behaviour.
Prayer of Jabez: ("Now, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers" 1 Chron 4:9.

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested.
For more, read Bruce Wilkinsons The Prayer of Jabez.
The Prayer is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 of the Bible (New International Version).
-Addison