What does the writer mean in Ecclesiastes 11:1, "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days."?

Sincerely,
Gone Fishin’

Dear Gone Fishin’,

Eccl 11:1-2 is dealing with charity and benevolent behavior.  Give generously to all, and your good deeds will come back to you.  This is very similar to the New Testament statement that “we reap what we sow” (Gal 6:7-8).  Pr 14:31 says that we honor God when we care for the needy, and Pr 19:17 says that God repays those who care for the impoverished.  Give your bread bountifully to the poor, and you will be blessed (Pr 22:9).  Cast your bread upon the waters – it may seem like you are throwing your money away – but it will be the right decision.

What are your thoughts on a Christian taking a non-christian to court and suing them?  Is there ever an appropriate time?

Sincerely,
Plaintiff

Dear Plaintiff,

The Bible doesn’t forbid Christians from taking non-christians to court.  The only prohibition is against Christians suing other Christians (1 Cor 6:5-8).  However, Jesus cautioned Christians against being litigious people that try and take vengeance themselves (Matt 5:40, Rom 12:19-21).  In short, if at all possible, try and reconcile with people outside of court, and avoid the judicial system as much as you can (Matt 5:25-26).

A few people in my family (my aunt, her daughter, and my grandmother) were upset with my parents and decided to not invite them to the family Thanksgiving dinner where we draw names for Christmas, and they excluded my parents from the holidays that year.  My parents were really hurt because I joined in with what they did.  I told my mom I did nothing wrong; it wasn't my party; I did nothing wrong, but she said if I participate in something I know is not right, then I am also guilty of that wrongdoing.  Is she right?

Sincerely,
Innocent Bystander

Dear Innocent Bystander,

It sounds like your extended family is involved in a knock-down, drag-out fight… and you have chosen sides.  Your mother is right; when you participate in something, you are complicit.  Judas didn’t actually crucify Christ, but he led the mob right to Him (Lk 22:47-48).  We don’t know any of the details of your family situation (and don’t particularly need to), but what you did was choose sides.  Which side is right and which side is wrong isn’t the point – you aligned yourself with your extended family.

The Proverbs teach that getting in the middle of a battle that isn’t yours is like grabbing the ears of a dog… never a good idea (Pr 26:17).  You make it clear in your letter to us that this isn’t your fight.  If that is the case, stay completely out of it.  God calls us to seek and pursue peace (1 Pet 3:11).  We recommend you do exactly that.

Hi, preacher.  I have a question: I'm thinking about joining the army to help people in Iraq, and I know that the Bible says to love thy neighbor and not kill, but if I'm doing it for the greater good, would it be a sin if I were to be killed?

Sincerely,
In The Crosshairs

Dear In The Crosshairs,

There is nothing wrong with being a soldier.  The Bible is full of soldiers that were also very faithful people.  King David battled Goliath (1 Sam 17:48-50).  The first Gentile convert to Christianity was a Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  Being a soldier and killing someone in battle is not the same as murdering someone in cold blood.  People don’t go to hell for being soldiers, but they do go to hell for being murderers (Rev 21:8).  If you died on the battlefield (hopefully that won’t happen), that would not destine you to eternity away from God.

We do recommend that you gravely consider the state of your soul and relationship with God before enlisting.  Being a soldier is a hazardous job, and it accentuates the need to be prepared to meet your Maker.  Please read “What I Must Do To Be Saved?” for more information on what God says we must do to receive salvation.

I am an adult child, 21-years-old and still live at home while in school.  Do I still have to obey my parents and the rules of their home?  Why can't I do as I please?  I'm 21-years-old; aren't I old enough to make my own rules?

Sincerely,
All Grow’d Up

Dear All Grow’d Up,

You are definitely old enough to make your own rules – go ahead and move out; embrace your freedom!  Though it is natural for parents to provide more independence to their children as they age, total self-rule will only come when you leave your parents’ home and become self-sufficient.  It is akin to the statement about marriage: when a couple “leaves and cleaves”, they are their own family unit (Matt 19:5).  Though you aren’t pursuing marriage, the same principle applies.  Leave the house and start your own home if you want to dictate your own rules.  You have a responsibility to honor your parents for the gift of free rent, food, etc. – not to mention the gift of life they gave you (Lk 18:20).

The transition from child to adulthood is always a strain upon the parent/child relationship.  The Scriptures promise that if you are careful with how you treat your parents in this transitional time, you will be blessed (Eph 6:2-3).