Time for an explanation about the question of whether MDing furthers the kingdom of God

[Pete in MI]

On Facebook, I asked the question if one would take their money, wrap it around gun powder then blow it up. This was just after 2 days of local fireworks terrorizing our dogs. I asked if the money spent on fireworks could better be used to further the kingdom of God instead.

A 'Brother' quoting Jesus when He said to take the log out my own eye and them proceeded to tell me that metal detecting was not furthering the kingdom of God and the money and time I spend doing it was wasted - then called me a hypocrite.

I did not care what he thought or whether he wanted to judge me. I did want him to see that before jumping to conclusions that he should know more about something before criticizing. I replied to him with my 'take' on how detecting actually does more to further the kingdom of God than he could imagine and also provided him with the link to the question here so he could hear from others that detecting was indeed useful to furthering the kingdom.

Here is his comments to me:

at 11:40pm July 5
Shooting off fire works on July 4th is harmless fun when done right. We celabright what our founding fathers indured to give us this Country. Tell me pete. How does your metal detecting further the kingdom of GOD? I think Jesus said it best when he said, remove the log from your own eye, then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brothers eye.

Could the money you spend on the wastefull stuff in your life help those things you speao of? I'm starting to think your a hypocrite Pete".

He has not commented back to me one way or the other since then.

Hear was my reply to him:

"Metal detecting has brought Brothers and Sisters in Christ together. We share the Word with each other. We pray for one another. We help one another financially when we can and in other ways. Metal detecting has allowed us to speak to others of God and his unlimited love and mercy. We witness to others when God provides theses opportunities. God gives us opportunities to see His handiwork close up - bringing us closer to God and allowing us to share these with each other.
So where has any of this been done in fireworks? I would say most don't celebrate the 4th of July remembering God or the founders of this country. Most use it as a paid vacation day, a day to get drunk, a day to do whatever and God is not even in their minds. I was pointing out that the money spent of fireworks could be used for other purposes. I could sell my detectors and give the money to some missionaries. I could also sell my computer. Then I could just sit at home and talk to no one about our Lord to anyone.

Think what you may. Judge me if you want. I feel justified in sharing the Word of God with others and my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I do not feel God wants me to hide my Light under a bushel but to share it. If God provides me the opportunities to meet and speak with others about detecting and most of all what He has done for me and what He can do for others should I not use the talents He has given me to do those things and more?

BTW I tithe on the monies I find and also ask my pets if fireworks are harmless as they have been terrorized by them. And even professional get hurt and even die from fireworks. Detectorists also provide safer places for children to play by removing dangerous items from playgrounds such as nails, sharp pull tabs, hypodermic needles, live bullets, broken glass from bottles and more. What I have done for the least of His children I have done for Him.."

I wanted him to understand there is a BIG difference between detecting and fireworks. Thanks for the inputs everyone.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

First I would say we are comparing apples to oranges. I have had so many opportunities to use detecting to further the kindom of God. I have spoken to home school as well as public school kids, at libraries, museums, historical societies, church's, and more. I have taught how treasure is very cool, but the ultimate treasure is Jesus Christ. I believe the thousands of pieces of junk that I remove from the lakes each summer is being a good steward to the Lord's Earth. As well as teaching others to do so. Returning lost item to the owners not expecting a reward is what God would want, and the list goes on. And lastly this forum has been like a ministry to me. Praying, sharing, meeting others etc..... The list goes on.

I also believe that the Good Lord likes us to enjoy our time here and if we choose to spend a few dollars on fireworks to watch them and have fun that is ok too. Now it would be poor stewardship to spend say your whole paycheck on them and not pay your bills, or to knowingly bother others and or be destructive with them. But good people can use fireworks to even to further the kingdom if done in the right manner. To put things in perspective. I believe that most things if done in the right way by the right people with the right intentions can help build the kingdom of God.

 

[douglaskc]

BTW I tithe on the monies I find and also ask my pets if fireworks are harmless as they have been terrorized by them. And even professional get hurt and even die from fireworks. Detectorists also provide safer places for children to play by removing dangerous items from playgrounds such as nails, sharp pull tabs, hypodermic needles, live bullets, broken glass from bottles and more. What I have done for the least of His children I have done for Him.."

I wanted him to understand there is a BIG difference between detecting and fireworks. Thanks for the inputs everyone.

To be honest I tend to agree more with the other guy. I think you made a mistake by implying that metal detecting somehow furthers the kingdom of God more than fireworks. There's certainly bad apples in metal detecting and probably bad apple Christian metal detectors. Not everyone who pursues the hobby sets a good example.

Fireworks are the same way. In my opinion people who bring dogs to fireworks shows are NOT being good examples. They know full well that their dogs are going to be terrified yet they bring them anyways.

On the 4th of July my wife and I attended the fireworks with some young adults from our church. In my opinion we set a great example. We were packed in a small space with thousands of other people and we were happy, not swearing, not drinking and being friendly and generous with the people around us. I was proud of those kids.

It would be a shame if someone only saw "bad" metal detectorists and concluded that it would be better to stop being so greedy and wasting so much money on treasure hunting. Maybe you're only looking for the "bad" side of fireworks?

Respectfully,

Doug

 

[SeniorSeeker]

That, in a nutshell, is the reason why I created River City Treasure Club. It was a way to share the principles of God's Word with those, that otherwise wouldn't hear or read those principles and a place for beginners, in the hobby of metal detecting, to educate themselves about the hobby and a place to go for appropriate information to further their goal of becoming good detectorist. It also gives me an opportunity to wittiness to those that otherwise might not be witnessed to. Granted ... they can choose not to read the information on the website relating to religious material but most take the time and are enriched by it. I'm grateful that Ning.Com gives us an opportunity to have a web presence without cost on my part. Thank God for that and for so much more.

God bless and happy hunting.

SeniorSeeker Seeking Treasure In Heaven & Here On Earth

 

[Pete in MI]

As far as my dogs...they never leave my yard. We do not live near where the fireworks are set off for the community but people all over the neighborhood think nothing of setting of the explosions. So even in their own homes where they should be safe and secure they are terrorized by the noises.

My original comment was about "if the money could not be better used" such as paying bills, helping others and in doing that furthering the kingdom of God. Wasn't saying there should be no fireworks. Let there be a public place away from animals to do that...don't turn a neighborhood into another Beirut or Vietnam war zone. And be nice if they could use all their explosions the one day set aside for that instead of seeing who can outlast the rest of the neighborhood with fireworks...they are still going off even last night - 10 days after the 4th.

Oh well to each their own.

 

[douglaskc]

I understand. Sorry about the misperception. You've got some rude people in your neighborhood who are being inconsiderate. They're like metal detectorists who are digging huge holes and not filling them in...or hunting on private property without permission. The problem isn't with the fireworks but the ones who are shooting them off.

Peace....

Doug

As far as my dogs...they never leave my yard. We do not live near where the fireworks are set off for the community but people all over the neighborhood think nothing of setting of the explosions. So even in their own homes where they should be safe and secure they are terrorized by the noises.

My original comment was about "if the money could not be better used" such as paying bills, helping others and in doing that furthering the kingdom of God. Wasn't saying there should be no fireworks. Let there be a public place away from animals to do that...don't turn a neighborhood into another Beirut or Vietnam war zone. And be nice if they could use all their explosions the one day set aside for that instead of seeing who can outlast the rest of the neighborhood with fireworks...they are still going off even last night - 10 days after the 4th.

Oh well to each their own.

 

[7centsworth]

I agree with Doug it is not the fireworks , but the people setting them of. I have a big fireworks show every year , but I live in the country. We have people from church and work, and GOD is talked about alot. Some of the people from work do not go to church, but get to hear people talk about GOD. We all have a good time, and my neighbors set on their porch and watch my fireworks. But we do not shoot them all week and neither does my neighbors . I see what you are saying I would not like that either. Those people need to think about others also instead of them selfs. Looks like there should be an ordinance in your town or something. I would not like them shooting them off every night either. I can tell you GOD does use detecting to help further his kingdom though , I get alot of strength from this forum and I get to find things for people for free. Thanks for asking the question .

 

[burien]

Well Tozer might disagree as to the value of metal detecting - of course your true reasons for detecting would be the real question here. If you are in pursuit of $$$, then you are wasting your time from an eternal perspective.

Anything we pursue in life has the ability to take the place of God in our lives. Anything we do has the ability to lead us away from God, step by tiny step. Anything we do has the ability to take the place of where God would have our time and money spent. Anything we do also has the ability to provide an opportunity to witness.

I am probably best known as the kook in the various Christian tee shirts around here. They are my standard wear for what ever I am doing. I am not advertising I am a Christian but rather to promote thought and questions - and do I ever get them in one of the worse areas for church attendance!

As for detecting, I detect for fun and for discovery. History is my real passion and finding even nails can be exciting. Of course, anything other than nails is still plenty scarce to my detecting!

Could some mission have used the money I spend? Sure. Could there be something more meaningful I could be doing with my time? Sure. Am I witnessing to my collecting buddy? You bet ya! One day he might even ask a meaningful question, for now, I am a mystery to him.

Whether your bent is detecting, shooting, Jaguars or square dance, anything and everything you do is an opportunity for you to life your life as a witness for Jesus. People notice, people question, people will eventually engage you.....

 

[Mike Chgo area]

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