Gambling

I was recently asked about my position on gambling. The question came after a lesson from Acts 1 where the disciples chose a replacement for Judas.

“So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”  Acts 1:23-26

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we read about people casting lots when a decision had to be made. In most instances, this was simply a way of determining something impartially. They trusted God, in His sovereignty, to cause the lots to fall in accordance with His will for a situation. This wasn’t really like gambling because at no time did anyone ever put something of value at risk.

“Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions.” Joshua 18:10

Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments at his crucifixion:

“"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.” John 19:24

The Bible doesn’t specifically say anything about gambling but you can make a decision based on principles found in Scripture.

Here are some principles about what our attitude should be towards money:

“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10

"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Luke 16:13

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

People who gamble are often times doing it in hopes of striking it big so they can quit work. The Bible tells us we are to work hard.

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.“ Genesis 3:19

Another principle from the Bible is that we should be wise stewards of everything God gives us. This includes time, talents, and resources. Everything we have belongs to God and we are only using it. God gives us our jobs, our health to carry out our jobs, and therefore whatever we earn should be used wisely. Any extra money that God provides should be used to invest in the Lord’s work or saved for an emergency.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Matthew 6:19-20

Gambling and greediness breaks the 10th commandment. It assumes that God has not given us what we ought to have and that there is somehow more wealth that will finally make us happy. Gamblers want more and more money. They may also covet the things that money can buy, like cars, houses, jewelry, and clothing.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."  Exodus 20:17

Gambling has the potential to turn into an addiction. Many people who start simply can’t stop. It can ruin your family or cause you to lose your job. It can truly cause you to lose control of your life.

Some argue that gambling is nothing more than simple entertainment. However, gambling provides a sense of false hope. It keeps people spending with the hope of “breaking even.” People place their hope in winning instead of placing their hope in God. We are to place our hope in God alone, not in money, or power, or position.

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”  1 Timothy 6:17

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

What about church raffles, bingos, and other drawings. Their logic is that adults should act responsibly and that it is highly unlikely that someone would lose a large amount of money on these things. Churches would do better to just take up an offering for what they need.  They should allow God to bless people for giving to ministries.

So while the Bible doesn’t clearly address gambling, you can draw some conclusions from these principles. Our attitudes should not just be to avoid sin but to participate in activities that will build us in our faith.

Ask yourself:

• Will gambling help you in your walk with Christ?
• Will gambling build my faith?
• Will gambling help me reach out to others around me?

""Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial.“ 1 Corinthians 6:12

Gambling is a moral issue.  There was a time in America where the majority of people considered things like drunkenness, cursing, and gambling to be wrong.  Times and culture have changed but God and His Word have not changed. 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."  Isaiah 40:8