There are, no doubt, many fine people in Las Vegas. Many of those who live here must be very godly people. I'll bet that many of those who visit the city are just as godly. So, what I am about to say is certainly not for everyone.
I came to Las Vegas last night because my wife is attending a conference here. The hotel is fabulous. The city is beautiful. We walked around the city for some time even though I was very tired since my body was still on Eastern time.
We saw lots of normal people. These are those who dressed and acted in a manner I would expect to see in any large city in America. As we got closer to the nightclubs and casinos that atmosphere changed. Many of the women were dressed like prostitutes. They were with men whom I supposed were boyfriends or husbands. I wondered why men would encourage someone they cared for to dress like this in public.
Many of the people seemed to be playing the role of a big shot. I have met some fairly important people in the world and none of them played like they were above the rest of the world. They would not allow others to waste their time but they did not work at appearing more important than others. They just knew who they were. The people we saw also knew who they were. They were just trying to act like someone important.
I think the popular saying, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" has been believed by the general public. They think they can pretend to be someone, act with impunity and return home without any residual sin sticking to them. So they gamble, get drunk and say they had a very exciting time. They don't realize that our lives are really a sum of our days. Being in Vegas neither suspends time nor right and wrong.
I wonder if these people who have been pretending will continue to pretend when they go home. This time they will pretend that what they did in Vegas made no difference. They will pretend that sin does not stick to their souls.
I have to be careful here. I could very easily start pretending that I am better than the people I have observed. I, too, have been stained with sin though not necessarily in Vegas. I would probably do the same things as these I have mentioned if not for the grace of God.
Yet, I know that there is a place in which sin is fine. There is a place that sin will not matter whatsoever. The place is not Vegas. It is called Hell.
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV)
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
2 comments:
Lately I've heard a lot of talk about there being no hell. Religious people are writing and talking like this is fact. Being far from a religion expert, this is confusing. How can someone who is still trying to come to terms with God, "salvation" and whether the Bible is really true, understand what is what?
Thanks for all your writings. I like the verses you use. Helps me look things up for myself.
-annah-
PS Enjoy Vegas!
I would love to say, "Don't listen to those other guys. Just listen to me!" However, I believe that is abusive and bullying. You must learn for yourself.
However I would like you to consider something. How can God be loving if He is not also just? Dying on a cross is the most cruel act anyone could play on another if it was not necessary. Would God be loving if He sent Jesus to die on an unnecessary cross? Could He be just if He didn't tell the truth? Is there any justice is letting people do whatever they want if what they are doing is harming them? Is there any love in letting people do whatever they want when it hurts them?
No, God's love proves His justice. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He paid the cruel price so we can avoid a terrible destination.
PS I love your honesty, Annah!
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