LightGrams
July 14, 2022
Volume 26, Number 22
A recent headline in our local news was sure to grab the attention of many: A woman had won a $45,000 jackpot at a newly-opened casino in our area. That news, I have no doubt, prompted many to plan a trip to the casino. Maybe they could win $45,000 – or even more!
I’m not enthusiastic about a casino opening in our area, nor have I been in favor of the Tennessee State Lottery which has been around for many years. Do many people share my disdain over gambling? Probably not, but I have good reasons for holding the views I have.
On the same day this woman won $45,000, what happened to 99% of the other people who were also putting down bets or dropping coins in the slot machines? They were losing. Statistically the odds of winning are enormous – against the gamblers. And what many use for “seed money” is what should be going toward mortgage payments, electric bills, or for food to feed the family.
Does the Bible condemn gambling? There is not a verse that says “Thou shalt not gamble”. But I find principles in God’s word that tell me to stay far from this kind of activity.
At the top of that list is the principle that loving money is dangerous. Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:9,10 are hard to misunderstand: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” For the sake of your soul highlight the part that says “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. The love of money is why people gamble.
A second Bible principle to keep in mind is found in Ephesians 4:28: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” Do I have more income than expenses? Then let me use my abundance to help those around me who are in need. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
And then there is this principle, found in Luke 6:31: “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” We call that “the Golden Rule”, and it’s how the Lord wants us to live. For me to win at the casino means others will have to lose. I want to win, so conversely I’m hoping others will lose. That’s not the Golden Rule in action.
If you’re looking for great gain, hear what God’s word teaches: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). When your needs are few, you put yourself closer to having more than you need. On the other hand, remember that we are “not to trust in uncertain riches” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Before you begin dropping coins in the slot machine, take a look around. Casinos are typically grandiose and opulent. So who is really making the big bucks? Occasionally someone will win $45,000, but most people who play – the vast majority! – simply throw their money away.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2022, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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