Miracle-Gambling and the Cult of Quick-Fix Christianity

Why is it that some Christians are so obsessed with miracles? Jesus did say that certain "signs" and "wonders" should follow those who believe - yet it sure seems these days, too many believers follow these so-called miracles and not the other way around. The Benny Hinns of the world seem to thrive on the expectation in their followers that something miraculous will happen and in an instant fix all their ailments - often caused by decades of poor diet and unhealthy lifestyles.

People speculate in financial miracles, too. They spend years mismanaging their money, all the while praying for a miracle to wipe out their debt and fix their problems. The problem, however, is plain and simple irresponsibility.

When a relative or friend finally steps in and bails them out, they chuck it up to a “miracle” – “God” came through in a powerful way.

Sure, I believe God is full of grace and we all could use a second chance from time to time - hey, we're all human, so we're going to screw up now and then.

But waiting around for a miracle instead of doing your part to fix your own situation - or better yet - listening to those around you who warned you not to make the stupid decisions that got you into the mess in the first place - is the ultimate form of laziness.

Always wanting God to come through with a quick-fix solution is nothing other than a gambling habit.

Put your coin in the slot machine and expect a big win in return!

Christians seem especially prone to be caught in pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing ploys that promise quick profits with minimal effort. Always the sucker for a quick fix, they pay the required fees and setup charges, all the while feeding their “sponsors.”

The next step is pestering those in their own circle of friends and relatives, to the point of alienating them all – if they weren’t already alienated by these people’s constant expectancy that someone else (read: “God” in the form of the people in their lives) will pay off their debts, pick up when they crash, and basically take care of them since they refuse to do so themselves.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in miracles. I believe that in rare and extreme circumstances, God chooses to break his own natural laws and overstep nature – make something supernatural happen. But mostly, he trusts us to play by the rules he established - to sow and reap, work with our hands, and to use our God-given brains to develop medicine, make money, and create a future for ourselves and our offspring.

How about putting your money on that horse.