Bible Question:
Good deeds for a good cause - are we not just as easily fooled as people were in ancient times when they chose between bad and good kings? Bad deeds for a good cause or even compromises for a good cause. This is what lotteries are today - charity as they say. How should a Christian respond?
Bible Answer:
I am not sure I really understand the question, but I will give it a jolly good try.
Good Deeds – Bad Decisions?
God encourages us to make wise decisions. The book of Proverbs is dedicated to giving us wisdom. God expects us to use the mind He has given us. Why give us Proverbs if bad decisions are a good thing? Why give us scripture?
But God wants us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. Someone might say this is making a bad decision, but Jesus did not think so,
You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NASB) Matthew 5:44-45
In fact, God reaches out to sinners. We should also!
Bad Decision
Lotteries. Playing the lottery is clearly a bad decision since there is very little chance to win any money. Most states use the lottery monies to fund other financial projects. For many, this leaves the impression the lottery is actually a humanitarian effort. Personally, I would rather donate that kind of money to a Christian ministry that cares for, feeds, clothes, and ministers to the poor. That is consistent with God’s encouragement to us,
This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (NASB) James 1:27
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. (NASB) 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Some people are addicted to gambling as they seek wealth. Addiction to anything of this world is a sin according to 1 Corinthians 6:12.
I would rather give my money to fellow Christians whom I trust to help the poor, widows and orphans.
Conclusion:
Bad decisions? Yes, we make them all the time. We are sinners and we make mistakes. God calls us to be loving to others, using gracious words (Col. 4:6) towards non-Christians and especially to Christians (Gal. 6:10). We are to be good financial managers because the money God gives us is really His!