Online Articles
Why Do We Take Chances?
Why Do We Take Chances?
Bill Lambert
There are a great many things in life that we are not willing to leave to chance. But many times we will take chances on things which will affect our lives tremendously. Many will take chances with their souls. They will reason, “Well, maybe this will be OK,” “Surely, the Lord will not condemn me for this,” “If nobody finds out...” Why do we want to take a chance? It is very easy for the Christian to know what is right, but we seem determined to step out upon the thin ice, to do that which is questionable. Why do we do it? Perhaps we want to “be like others,” or “to fit in,” or “try it just once.”
We have some principles to guide us if we will simply take them seriously. Consider some of the things which will help us. Look at the following passages of scripture:
“Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17).
“He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:5).
“For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:” (1 Pet 2:21).
Not only do we have these admonitions, but we also have the responsibility to be examples of godliness to others. Engaging in questionable practices is failure to take that charge seriously. The following advice to Timothy is proper for all ages:
“Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12).
