Why a Disciple of Jesus Should Believe: There is No Such Thing as Luck
Bad Words, Part Five
It is a common habit and practice to wish someone good luck, hope they have bad luck, or think you have good or bad luck. There are also many ways luck can be implied. Here are a few examples:
This is my day!
Why does this always happen to me?
I cannot wash my car without it raining!
Fate brought us together.
It was not meant to be.
The universe is not on my side!
I've got my fingers crossed!
All the signs point to me winning.
That person is so fortunate.
The golf gods are smiling on me today!
Mother nature is ruining my day!
There are also countless superstitious sayings like knock on wood, breaking a mirror equals 7 years of bad luck, the stars are aligned, my team usually wins when I wear these socks, etc.
A disciple of Jesus Christ should never think or speak in any term related to luck because it contradicts God's sovereignty and purposeful orchestration of all things. It suggests that there are things outside of God's control, things too inconsequential for Him to care about, things he intentionally overlooks, or outcomes we can control through certain acts or practices.
No such thing as luck because God is in control.
Scripture shows us a God who is intimately involved with every aspect of creation and human life.
No one knows the exact probability, but it is estimated that for life to exist in our universe there is a 1 in 1 followed by one BILLION zeros chance of it happening. That is a number so large, no one bothers to give it a name. The probability is so astronomically low because of the many variables like gravitational constant, electromagnetism, nuclear forces, mass of the earth, and the distance from the earth to the sun, are all exactly calibrated for life to exist. This is called the fine-tuning argument for God. We recognize it as science proving Romans 1:19-20 in a new way. Thanks science!
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
God didn't set things in motion in Genesis 1&2 and then sit back and watch. He is maintaining everything He has created. He knit you together in your mother's womb, knows the number of hairs on your head and everything you have done or will do Psalm 139:13,16 & Matthew 10:30.
There is nothing too small for Him. He controls every outcome, including every roll of the dice Proverbs 16:33.
Change of perspective about what we might call unlucky times
If we look at Paul's story, we might consider Him one of the unluckiest guys to ever live. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, we see Paul endured many hardships, including:
He was frequently imprisoned.
Beatings: He received 39 lashes on five separate occasions, was beaten with rods three times, and pelted with stones.
Shipwrecks: He suffered three shipwrecks and once spent a night and a day adrift at sea.
Other dangers: Paul faced dangers from rivers, robbers, his own countrymen, Gentiles, and false believers. He also experienced hunger, thirst, cold, and sleeplessness.
Paul was blessed with the life of suffering. It wasn't good or bad luck. It was the life he was promised after he accepted Christ (Acts 9:16). This type of life helped him to understand:
That our temporary troubles here will pay off when our service here has ended (2 Corinthians 4:17)
To be content even when things are good or bad (Philippians 4:11).
That a disciple's ambition is to produce fruit and bring glory to God and a disciple's desire is for time in the flesh to end and be with Christ (Philippians 1:20-26).
Change of perspective of what we might call lucky times
Of course, we all go through bad times, but if your life is mostly good and full of abundance by cultural standards, have you considered that it is a test for you to overcome?
The Puritan John Flavel frequently warned that times of outward blessing can be particularly perilous for the soul. He emphasized the need for increased spiritual vigilance when prosperity smiles upon us, lest we become complacent and forget our dependence on God.
Our American culture glorifies self-reliance and self-determination, but it is a path away from God (Proverbs 14:12).
An abundance can give us many distractions that can take us captive (Colossians 2:6-9).
God wants to be our most important relationship, not one we squeeze into our schedules (Matthew 22:37).
There are those that believe that the primary reason discipleship in America fails is because we have it so easy. We are focused on our American Dream and getting everything we want. This is foolish because nothing around us will last and we can't take it with us (Matthew 6:19 & 1 Timothy 6:7). A life centered on you and what you want is at odds with being a true Christian (Matthew 7:22-27, Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:25, & 1 John 2:4-6). It is also settling for far less than what God offers. In 1 Corinthians 2:9, the Bible says:
But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,what God has prepared for those who love him"
Don't think in terms of luck when you hit the tough times
God's sovereignty isn't arbitrary. He works all things according to His good and perfect will (Romans 8:28). We cannot see all that God sees. His plan is larger and better than anything we can plan. What might appear as "bad luck" when we hit bad times could provide the potential for our growth or the growth of someone else. In the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50), he endured a lot of bad times, but it was for his benefit, the benefit of his family, the benefit of nations, and the benefit of everyone that has learned from reading his story that he endured it.
When we forget that God is fully in charge, we open ourselves up to anxiety and a sense of helplessness, rather than the peace and confidence that comes from trusting in God's providential care (Philippians 4:6-7).
The next time you feel the urge to say or think about something that implies luck, try to take those words and thoughts captive. You might say that you know there is no such thing as luck, but if you say it or think it, there is a part of you that is holding on to it (Matthew 15:18).
By rejecting the concept of luck, we embrace a biblical view that acknowledges God's active role in our lives. This understanding brings peace, hope, and a deeper trust in the One who holds all things in His hands.
All Scripture quoted is in ESV unless otherwise stated. Scripture used or considered in the writing of Why a Disciple of Jesus Should Never Think in Terms of "Good" or "Bad" Luck by RD Montgomery
Genesis 1-2
Genesis 37-50
Deuteronomy 5:7-10
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Deuteronomy 32:15
Psalm 139:13,16
Psalm 147:4
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 14:12
Proverbs 16:9,33
Ecclesiastes 2
Ecclesiastes 5:11
Job 38-39
Daniel 4:35
Matthew 6:19-20
Matthew 7:22-27
Matthew 10:30
Matthew 15:18-19
Matthew 19:24
Matthew 22:37
Matthew 25:14-46
Mark 10:43-44
Luke 1:79
Luke 6:44-45
Luke 12:7
Luke 12:16-21
Luke 18:18-23
John 1:5
Acts 9:16
Romans 8:28
Romans 11:36
1 Corinthians 2:9
2 Corinthians 4:17
2 Corinthians 10:5
2 Corinthians 11:23-31
Ephesians 5:8
Ephesians 6:12
Philippians 1:20-26
Philippians 4:6-7,11
Colossians 1:13,16
Colossians 2:6-9
Hebrews 2:10
Hebrews 11:1
1 Timothy 6:7
James 1:12,17
James 3:6
1 John 2:4-6
Revelation 21
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