I
am going to hit on a subject that you could say is many years in the making.
I feel I need to share with you all on the subject of:
"Should
Christians be in bars and other worldly environments to play pool?"
I
believe there are two correct answers - For some the answer is NO, for others
it is YES.
How
do you know if you are in the "Yes" category or the "No"
category?
While playing
in bars, pool halls, casinos, and I have observed a lot of Christians.
Sad, but true, many "Christians" smoked, drank, cussed,
gambled and laughed at dirty jokes. If it wasn't for them letting me know they
were "Christians," I would have never figured it out.
In
my OPINION many Christians use the game of pool as an excuse to hang out
in these worldly places. And though they say they are Christians, their
witness is far from Christ-like. These places have pulled these Christians
down spiritually!!! So what should you do!?
If
these places are pulling you down spiritually, GET OUT! Your
relationship with Jesus is far more important than playing pool!!!
Love
not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the
world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world. I John 2:15, 16
If
you fit into the above category, and say "I enjoy pool and care about
people I just know that I fit into that category," then our Church Pool
League may be for you!!! Let me know and I can get you more information
on that and how to get it started in your area.
Now,
on the other side of this I feel there is a great ministry to people in bars,
pool halls, casinos, etc., but this is something that involves the highest
level of integrity and Christ-likeness. Jesus went to the publican
and sinners - to where they were at, but Jesus never sinned. He lived
Christ-like in front of them. I really recommend that if you
go to these places that you live a Christ-like image to those around you.
Sure, there will still be people to make accusations against you, they did
against Jesus. Let them make the accusations, just make sure they are not true
accusations . . .
In
His Service,
Jim
Mazzulla
Consider
getting:
"One
to One: A Practical Guide to Friendship Evangelism" (Paperback) by
Terry
Wardle
