God's View of Our Earth Shattering Differences

Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart - Proverbs 18:18

(You might want to categorize this under things that might surprise you about God.)

We prayed about it. We discussed it. My friend had one desire; I had a different one.

"Okay, let's settle the issue the way the early Church settled matters when an agreement could not be achieved. Let's flip a coin."

"You must be joking!" my friend lamented.

"No, the early Church cast lots often to determine a course of direction or even select the disciple who would take Judas' place."

"Okay," my friend agreed.

We flipped the coin and the matter was quickly settled.

In the Old Testament there are many examples of casting lots for determining a decision. We hear little of this method today. Most of us do not want to release the decision process to this seemingly "flippant" process; yet the Lord says, The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Prov. 16:33).

Flipping a coin is the equivalent to casting a lot. It removes our own opinions and leaves the final outcome to the Lord. Pray before you take such an action. It will surprise you who is willing to submit a decision to the Lord and who isn't. It removes the element of control from both parties.

Having shared this with you I believe that God revels when His kids get together, use their creativity and create solutions together that are greater than either one would have created alone. I believe in unity in The Spirit in the bond of peace.

I believe the Lord would first have us make decisions through agreement and continued prayer for the decision. However, there are times when casting lots, short-straw/long-straw can be the not just the quickest and simplest resolution, but also help us keep God's perspective on the value and importance of earthly things compared to godly. Casting lots removes each person's temptation to lord it over the other.

Move on! Cast the lot and settle the dispute. The relationship is what matters as long as godly principles and commitment to Jesus reign in the day you can do this with the Lord's blessing. I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~