Pennies Or Bucks - the Lottery Or Not - the Cause Or Just Because
GAMBLING
Pennies or Bucks - The Lottery or not - The Cause or just because
One Author Said: “ From the dusty streets of ancient Babylon to the glittering Las Vegas strip, whether with animals bones or a deck of cards, gambling is virtually as old and as widespread as the human race.”
Archaeological discoveries go back 1800 yrs before Christ. Still the same. Apparently gambling was not a problem with the Israelites until Babylonian captivity.
What motivates people to gamble ? Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion & Ethics
Gambling is motivated primarily by three urges.
The Desire for Gain: Human nature is impatient. Sets aside daily work. Wants to acquire in one stroke without trouble – without laborious little by little. Simply put:
Something for nothing.
The Desire for Excitement: Man craves intensified life. Gambling, with its risk, it suspense, its thrills, its hope, its shock of surprise, supplies mans crave for intensified life. Simple put, man is not satisfied with life.
The Instinct of Combativeness: Nothing wrong with a spirit of competition, but in betting, a man backs his own powers, his judgment, his luck. Success leads to glory to the winner.
Gambling is basically motivated by: Covetousness – Laziness – Recklessness
Something for nothing
Lets talk about Rationalization for Gambling
They say: Innocent form of Social entertainment. Social drinkers say the same thing.
They say: Serves as an important revenue for worthy projects.
First: If it violates the principles of scripture, it is not innocent.
Fornication is highly entertaining to the whoremonger. But fornication is never justified.
Secondly: it is not a benefactor to society, but a curse to any nation, even if it provides an abundance of revenue, it is still wrong.
Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Lets talk about Gambling for what it is – Sinful
No such scripture that says – “Thou shalt not Gamble” Many Christian use that notion.
But – Gambling is a gross violation of fundamental spiritual truths.
Lets notice eight basic spiritual truths about Gambling.
1. Violates Obligation of Faithful Stewardship
1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
What is Stewardship ? Managing the property of others. All belongs to God
We have no right to risk or gamble away that which belongs to God
2. Gambling operates on the Iron rule - Might Makes Right
To secure a neighbors possessions by skill or chance – that’s just the losers tough luck
Such makes havoc of:
Romans 13:10 Love works no ill to his neighbour:
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
How long could a gambler survive if guided by such ethics ?
3. Gambling promotes laziness & quenches the desire for honest work
Man has always had to work
Genesis 2:15 And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Genesis 3:19-20 In the sweat of thy face shall you eat bread, till you return to the ground;
2 Thes. 3:10 This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
The gambler seeks that which another has worked for, at no cost to himself.
4. Gambling becomes addictive
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
U.S. Dept Public Health estimates we have 6 million compulsive gamblers: 10 years old.
1 Cor. 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Penny ante is no different than taking one little drink. Total abstinence is always right.
5. Gambling is just plain Sinfull
Example it sets. No one is without influence. It’s for righteousness or wicedness.
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
What’s good about any gambling place – Shun the appearance of all evil.
6. Gambling breeds dishonesty and deceit
Gamblers like dope addicts resort to stealing and others crimes to support their habits.
A detective with the Reno Nevada Police contends that 75% of embezzlements are
gambling related
Matthew 7:17-18 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
7. Gambling is a destroyer of the home
Robs children - food – clothing – education – family – etc – etc
1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
A Vice-President at Harrahs said: “If he (the gambler) gets into trouble with his vices, then it’s his problem”
Gambling establishments have no compassion for children. Just like cigarette makers.
8. Gambling is an enemy of mental health
Brings fear, frustration, anxiety. Compulsive gamblers have a high rate of suicides.
Many gamblers are very mentally unstable
What are the effects of Gambling
Several states have Lotteries in operation. California passed law legalizing lotteries.
To raise funds for schools – It has done little to aid our schools – They still are in trouble
Some have allowed race betting. Fresno County fair. They say it’s good for the economy.
And we all know what Nevada allows.
Americans gamble at the tune of $50 Billion plus each year. Very old statistic.
At that time it was equal to the nations defense budget.
Christians must be very careful about seemingly innocent projects that are basically teaching the concept.
Something for Nothing
That’s why I do not purchase raffle tickets for any cause.
How many people will just give the money, without the ticket for a chance of something for nothing.
Parents need to be very careful when getting your child to participate in such activities.
Remember – The end does not justify the means !
Here are some guide to follow:
Personal Test: Will doing this make me a better or worse Christian ?
Social Test: Will doing it influence others to be better or worse Christians ?
Practical Test: Will the results of my doing it be desirable ?
Universal Test: If everyone should do this, would it improve or degrade society ?
Scriptural Test: Does the Bible endorse it, or is it basically forbidden by Gods word ?
General Test: Does the end justify the means ?
Masters Test: Would Jesus do it to the glory of his Father ?