Should Christians be involved with lotteries or other forms of gambling?
The Bible does not specifically forbid gambling, but there are several biblical principles that should make Christians hesitate to participate:
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).
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?
God uses money to accomplish important purposes in my life:
Meet basic needs (Matt. 6:11; I Tim. 6:8).
Build character (Phil 4:10-13)
Give direction, by providing or withholding resources.
Helping others through me.
Show His power by providing miraculously.
Ask: Does gambling accomplish these results? Am I looking to God or to the lottery for my needs?
Greed and covetousness are sin (Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are motives in most gambling.
Proverbs warns of disaster for people who want to get rich quickly (28:20,22).
Wealth that comes easily goes just as easily (Prov. 13:11).
Wealth gained the wrong way breaks up families (Prov. 15:27).
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).
Author: Dr. John Bechtle
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