Healthy Living

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Bribing God?
© 2007

by


Stephen A. Peterson


Xavier Cunningham, 19, was involved in the manufacturing and distribution of legal and illegal drugs as well as online child prostitution and pornography. Xavier thought he was the most intelligent and sophisticated person he knew. He felt he would not get caught for he had used what some of his friends called a failed safe method of hiding his activities from the law. Additionally, he had been successful for more than four years. Eventually, though, the law caught up with him. He was arrested and convicted of the distribution of illegal drugs and child prostitution. With overwhelming evidence, Xavier admitted his guilt and threw himself on the mercy of the court. He argued that he was young, naïve and had been the child of drug abusing, psychologically abusive, sexually pervert parents.

Using this as an argument, Xavier’s lawyer hoped to obtain a reduced sentence for his client. To aid in their argument, a psychiatrist, social worker and child development specialist were brought in as witnesses to attest to Xavier’s past. After 6 hours of expert testimony, it was revealed that Xavier gave 20 per cent of ill gotten income to the church, bought thousands of dollars worth of clothing for poor children in his neighborhood and paid for the medical bills for a dying mother of three. Xavier even paid, in cash, for five homes for five homeless women and their children.

The judge interrupted upon hearing the news of Xavier’s good works and contribution, asking incredulously, “You mean the defendant tried to buy society off and to bribe Almighty God as well? WOW!”

The judge’s question and observation are noteworthy. In many instances, so many Christians seem to believe they are able to trick and/or bribe God. Others, by the same token, appear to try to influence or sway God’s mind or try to bargain with the Lord by promising something in return for his favor. If they do not receive what THEY asked for, God is evil, doesn’t care, is powerless or simply does not exist. God is seen as nothing more than a Sugar Daddy.

Those who engage in such prayers or ventures are skating on very thin spiritual ice. Mature Christians attempt to know God’s Will, not to impose their wishes on Him. It is well worth remembering that God loves every one of His children and desires the best for them. Trying to buy or bribe God is not required as God is a loving Father. God may be trusted even if nothing comes our way or in the manner we think it ought to be.

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