I’ve already been asked the question three times in the past two days, so it seems right to discuss it here. Should Christ-followers play the lottery?
There is no verse in the Bible that explicitly says, “Do not gamble,” but whenever the Bible is silent on a specific issue, many think that means it gives authorization. But silence does not mean authorization, so we’ll have to figure it out some other way.
It seems that leaning on luck or chance by spending hard-earned money denies the fact that God is the sovereign One in control of your life.
There is a drive toward covetousness and greed and jealousy and envy every time we lay down money in order to gain more money, and the Bible certainly condemns all of those desires.
Gambling and the lottery does damage to the idea of a Biblical work ethic that replaces hard work as the means for living.
It consistently exploits those who are in greater need, since the largest segment of people who play the lottery are those who can least afford to, throwing good money after bad in an effort to get-rich-quick - and they never do.
The Bible does not give credence to gambling as a means of good stewardship. Andy Stanley coined a phrase for moments like these: ‘What is the wisest thing to do in this situation?’ So the question may not be one of right or wrong, but of wisdom.
Colossians 3:17 says: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct your paths.”
And honestly - isn’t that the best news you’ve heard all day?
And be blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment