Have a question - I can explain later why I ask - don't want to influence anyones input one way or the other

[Pete in MI]

I was asked "So how does your metal detecting further the Kingdom of God?"

What are your thoughts? Does metal detecting in any way further the Kingdom of God...if so could you explain your answer. If not, why not?

Thanks for your inputs.

 

[SEMPERFI61]

n/t

 

[magpies]

An interesting question. To use my example, I spend a lot more time with my family metal detecting, walking through the Australian country-side and taking in the glory of our world. In these troubled times, any healthy and fun activity that can a. get us closer together as a family and b. get us closer to the creation and creator cannot be all that bad. Detecting is simply a means to an end not an end to a means. We can have fun camping, walking and talking without the distractions of modern life in the form of TV etc. I started with three very doubtful teenagers and now have three very keen teenagers who drag me out. If the Kingdom of God is to make even one little piece of this world happier - then yes it does further his divine mission. And as an added bonus He puts, in my case, gold there for me to find but thats the least of the reason I do it. God Bless

 

[douglaskc]

I was asked "So how does your metal detecting further the Kingdom of God?"

What are your thoughts? Does metal detecting in any way further the Kingdom of God...if so could you explain your answer. If not, why not?

Thanks for your inputs.

Hi Pete,

It depends on what you get out of it. It's a great way to develop spiritual fruit like patience. It can teach discipline and diligence. You can use the time for contemplation, meditation and prayer. On the downside greed might increase but you can overcome that by giving back....helping others to find their keys on the beach no charge or other such acts.

I'm a lay minister in the church and recently did a sermon about how a metal detector can be compared to God's spirit. A metal detector can be used to seek out stuff in the ground like God's spirit can be used to seek out sin in our lives.

I guess it's pretty much like any other activity....you can find lessons and help your spiritual growth....or do the opposite!

 

[Anonymous]

Detecting brings "inner peace", most of the time, and it is sometimes easy to meditate while detecting. Not to mention the great feeling of finding something good. It is also an "escape" from the world.......

 

[SeniorSeeker]

I can honestly say that metal detecting brings an inner peace that I seldom experience in any other activity, with the exception of being in God's House on Sabbath day. There's something about being in God's great out-of-doors early in the cool of the day that encourages me to contemplate my relationship with my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether in the woods with the many shades of green or on the beach of Lake Michigan, I can sense His presence and wittiness His handiwork in everything around me. Who of us can make a tree or flower grow without a seek or who of us can hold back the ocean's waves from going just so far and no further? When I'm metal detecting and seeking hidden treasure, I'm reminded of the treasure I have in God through His Son, who will return one day and take me home to be with Him for eternity. And yes ... there are times when metal detecting opens doors of communication with other who are curious about our hobby, which gives me an opportunity to share my joy of the hobby, as well as my joy in my Savior. Metal Detecting brings family together and creates new friendships and so much more. This is a wonderful hobby and I'm so grateful I'm given the opportuity to experience it one day at a time.

SeniorSeekr Seeking Hidden Treasure Here On Earth and In Heaven

 

[Mike Chgo area]

good clean fun and a family thing for some. Also it opens the door for conversations with others which could lead to helping to get someone on the right path. It allows us to return keepsakes when we can find owners which is also promoting honesty and kindness. There are more reasons than this.

 

[Goes4ever]

teaches me patience something I have very little of!

 

[Anonymous]

Well, Pete, all the posts are so good that they don't leave me very much room to say anything different! Now, that's unusual for me! I'll just say it gets us closer to God in His great outdoors of beauty and wonder! We have a chance to talk to people about what we find or don't find which can lead to spreading the good news of Jesus even more! Leads to prayer for some having difficulty and trials in their lives.....always someone hurting out there! Others may give you more places to detect for finding more goodies to share with others as donations to the church and the needy and on precious lost items meaning a lot to one person and maybe not another!

What I liked about for me is (was) the opportunity to talk to God and thank Him for everything I found that was a goody and made me feel good to be helping to clean up the parks and school grounds for the little ones, so there was less danger from broken cans, bottles, hypodermic needles and the like! Good exercise, some sunshine and freshair for better health to live longer for serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus! I would still be going if my arthritic body and COPD lungs would allow me to do so, but all good things must come to an end even our mortality but Praise God because of His beloved Son, Jesus, we will have immortality in new, incorruptible bodies forever and ever by believing faith in that He is Who He says He is! Amen! Well, I ended long-winded as usual! God Bless! Betty

 

[7centsworth]

It teaches me patience. Also where I hunt it is beutiful country and I am always thinking about how great our GOD is and how awesome he is to create such beuty. And when I got to return a class ring I was used by GOD to return that ring. The man burst into tears and said i did not know what that meant to him. GOD teaches us how to do good and that is what he did to me , I would have never have met that man that day if it had not of been for GOD and metal detecting. That ring had been in the ground for almost 20 years and GOD used it twenty years later to cheer two men up. The man said he had been having a bad week until then. Just a few ways GOD can use metal detecting. GOD can use so many things for his will HE IS AWESOME.

 

[TURNMASTER]

I am reminded about the diligence spoken of in the in the book of Proverbs and this hobby does teach that. Then also of value of having a 2nd job, and I can not remember the wording quite right but it goes something like this; Work your day, then plow your fields in the evening for you do not know which will prosper (Proverbs I believe). Please feel free to correct or finish that verse for me !!

Besides for most this a good clean hobby and the book of Ecclesiastes does tell us to enjoy life, period. I am just not sure how a SOLID Christian can slight you for this. My best guess would be It is an attack by someone lacking in spiritual growth or a non believing individual.

It would be good to know the reason you ask! Maybe it does not matter, but I hope you found what you need, and its a whole lot better than burning your time and money gambling.

Pray about It
Jeff

 

[Pete in MI]

n/t