The Bible does not specifically
forbid gambling, but there are several biblical principles that should make
Christians hesitate to participate:
1. God
presents work as the normal way to get the money we need (Eph 4:28; II Thess. 3:12; Prov. 31). When a person
cannot work, the second choice is prayer (Phil. 4:6, 19).
2. All
my income belongs to God, not me (Psa. 24:1), and I am not
free to use it as I wish. I am a steward, who should use it for God's purposes.
Christians are called on to meet the needs of their family (I Tim. 5:8), and share
with others, particularly Christians who have needs (2 Cor 8-9; Gal. 6:6-10; 3 John).
Ask: Does God want me to use His money to
buy a lottery ticket?
3. God
uses money to accomplish important purposes in my life:
b.
Build character (Phil 4:10-13)
c.
Give direction, by providing or withholding resources.
d.
Helping others through me.
e.
Show His power by providing miraculously.
Ask: Does gambling accomplish these
results? Am I looking to God or to the lottery for my needs?
4. Greed
and covetousness are sin (Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are
motives in most gambling.
6. Wealth
that comes easily goes just as easily (Prov. 13:11).
7. Gambling
can be addictive, and even if you don't fall prey to it as a compulsive habit,
your example may cause others to be enslaved by it (I Cor. 8:9, 13).
No comments:
Post a Comment