Which of the following are similar to the ways you've served Christ in your family? [check all that apply]
• Taught your kids to see God's glory in nature
• Washed the dishes without being asked
• Played a board game with your kids
• Encouraged your wife to finish her master's degree
• Attended a child's open house at school
• Worked fewer hours to be with your family
• Set an example of a godly prayer life for your children
• Held a crying child
• Swung on the tire swing with your daughter
• Told your wife why you're still in love with her
• Told your son he's got what it takes
• Coached soccer
• Let you child correct you now and then
• Fixed the vacuum cleaner
• Taught your sons to ride a bike
• Listened patiently to a complaint of your wife
• Taped your child's artwork to your office wall
• Admitted to your kids that you were wrong
• Told your children how Christ entered your life
• Cleaned up vomit
• Taught your children to love books
• Been romantic without expecting sex
• Told your daughter she's smart/beautiful
• Set standards for your kids and stuck to them
• Dealt graciously with a busybody neighbor
• Peeled carrots
• Watched movies together
Blown Cover Theme for this Week: Bad Bet Wednesday, March 13, 2002
1 of 1
March/April 200252Blown CoverTheme for this Week: Bad Bet Blown Cover Theme for this Week: Bad Bet Wednesday, March 13
Key Bible Verse: "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Bonus Reading:John 8:31–36
A professor of theology once called me to confess his gambling. He'd tried to hide his losses, but his wife discovered the high amounts on the credit cards—a total of $30,000. His elaborate scheme of deception came unraveled, and he had to admit the truth. His wife was devastated, wondering if she could ever trust him again. But after counseling and a commitment to the marriage, they mortgaged their house and began to repay the losses. Eventually, their financial situation stabilized, and their relationship was restored. As long as this man's vice was secret, he maintained his compulsive behavior; but when his cover was blown, he ended his gambling career. Most are not that fortunate.
One man I know quit gambling after an inheritance given to him by his parents was secretly squandered. When the lights were turned out, his wife threatened to leave, and his friends were angry with him because he owed them money—that was the wake-up call that it was time to quit gambling. The devil does his most shameful work in secret; consequently, exposure is often necessary for change to take place.
—Erwin Lutzer in Seven Snares of the Enemy
My Response: If I'm attracted to gambling, I'll confide this to a friend and ask for accountability help.
Thought to Apply: Do not expect God to cover what you are not willing to uncover. —Duncan Campbell (Scottish evangelist, 20th century)
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
1 of 1
