Chain letters have been around for a long time, likely originating in the late 19th or early 20th century. They involve messages that encourage or demand the recipient to make copies of the letter and pass them on to a certain number of people. Oftentimes chain letters make outrageous promises or threats if the recipient does not keep the chain going. So how should a Christian respond when they receive such letters?
The Bible does not specifically mention chain letters, but it provides principles that can guide believers in this matter. First and foremost, Christians are called to exercise discernment and wisdom (Proverbs 1:5). Just because a letter makes supernatural promises or pronouncements does not mean they are true or binding. We must test and examine such claims against Scripture (1 John 4:1). The Bible warns about false prophets and teachers who may use impressive sounding words to manipulate people (2 Peter 2:3).
Secondly, Christians are not to give in to superstition, luck or chance, but trust in God’s sovereignty (Proverbs 16:33). Passing along a chain letter out of fear of bad luck goes against faith in God’s power and plan. While we do not know every detail of the future, we can rest in the fact that nothing surprises God or thwarts His purposes (Psalm 139:4, Job 42:2).
Thirdly, making hasty vows or oaths based on a chain letter manipulates our God-given freedom to make choices (James 5:12). A letter that evokes fear and demands rigid compliance interferes with our ability to decide and act prudently. Scripture exhorts us to carefully consider decisions and not be controlled by impulsive emotions like fear (Proverbs 14:15).
Fourthly, Jesus taught us not to test or tempt God by making unreasonable demands for supernatural signs and wonders (Matthew 4:7). Mindlessly passing along a chain letter as a test of divine power foolishly assumes we can coerce the Creator of the universe. Our posture should be one of humility, awe and submission before the Lord (Isaiah 57:15).
Fifthly, Jesus and the apostles taught believers to renounce greed and the love of money (Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:10). Chain letters that promise huge riches promote covetousness. As Christians, we know that godliness with contentment is far greater gain than monetary wealth (1 Timothy 6:6). Our hope and security are found in Christ, not chance promises (1 Peter 1:3-5).
In conclusion, how should Christians respond to chain letters? With wisdom, discernment, faith in God, prudent consideration, humility and contentment. We recognize that such letters often manipulate human emotion and greed to spread superstition. We are called to trust in God’s providence and promises found in Scripture alone. And we desire to be controlled by the Holy Spirit rather than compulsiveness and fear.
Chain letters provide a great opportunity to share our testimony of hope and security in Christ. We can explain to the sender how Jesus sets us free from fear and greed. Our lives are not dependent on rituals or luck, but on repenting, believing and following Him. We seek to be wise stewards of time, resources and influence rather than spread rumors, magical thinking and false promises. And we can pray for those trapped in spiritual darkness and false religion, that their eyes may be opened to the truth of the gospel.
There are many references in Scripture that provide wisdom for how to respond to chain letters in a godly manner:
– “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7)
– “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” (1 Timothy 4:7a)
– “The prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
– “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
– “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
– “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)
– “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:5-6a)
– “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
– “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
– “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” (1 Corinthians 10:24)
– “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
– “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)
– “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
In summary, Christians responding to chain letters in a wise and godly way will exercise discernment, avoid superstition, refrain from rash vows, reject greed, share the hope of the gospel, think of others, and trust God rather than give in to anxiety or compulsiveness. With the Spirit’s guidance, we can turn chain letter opportunities into Kingdom blessings.
What else does God’s Word instruct about this topic? Here are more verses to prayerfully meditate on:
– Matthew 6:25-34 – Do not be anxious about earthly needs
– 2 Timothy 1:7 – God gave us a spirit of power, love and sound judgment
– Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your lives free from love of money
– Psalm 119:105 – God’s word is a lamp for our feet
– Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust the Lord, not your own understanding
– 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – Test everything, hold fast to what is good
– James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom generously
– Philippians 4:8 – Think on whatever is true, honorable, just
– Romans 12:2 – Be transformed, do not conform to the patterns of this world
– Ephesians 5:15-17 – Live wisely, understand what the Lord’s will is
– 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober-minded and alert, resist the devil
– Proverbs 1:10 – Do not let sinners entice you
– Acts 17:11 – Examine the Scriptures to see if what is said is true
With the Bible as our guide and the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower us, we can respond to chain letters and any spiritual deception in a godly manner. We do not have to yield to anxiety, manipulation, greed or compulsiveness. Instead our lives demonstrate faith, discernment, wisdom, truth, love and freedom in Christ.
Chain letters reveal areas we may still struggle with – the need for control, trusting in luck rather than God, fear over finances, desire for health and wealth, or seeking to test God’s power. But by God’s grace, we can surrender all to Jesus. He is enough for us. We can rest in His sovereign care and timing over our lives.
As 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) says:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
And Psalm 46:10 (ESV) reminds us:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Rather than pass along myth or rumor to manipulate outcomes, we can share truth, pray in faith and wait patiently on the Lord. He sees all that concerns us and is working out His purposes for our good and His glory.
In the end, chain letters provide opportunities to share the freeing truth of the gospel and demonstrate lives changed by God’s Spirit. As Galatians 5:1 (ESV) declares:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
By God’s strength, we can stand firm in Him and resist the manipulation or compulsion to spread idle myth and rumor. Our words and actions can instead reveal the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord.
May the Lord grant us wisdom, discernment and freedom to represent Him well whenever we encounter spiritual deception and false promises. And may those trapped in darkness experience new life in Christ as we share the light of the gospel.