GAMBLING AND CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

By: John L. Kachelman, Jr

The prevalence of games of chance in our modern society is a tragedy. Through this vice, homes are destroyed; finances wasted; and lives marred. Yet, in spite of these ills there is an eager acceptance of any kind of gambling. But, an even greater tragedy is that the Lord's people seem to be insensitive to this. Why? Could it be that ignorance has led to silent consent? Here are some scriptural principles that apply to gambling that the Bible classes should discuss. We should begin in the primary grades teaching why the child of God cannot participate in games of chance. Note now these simple, scriptural reasons why gambling is wrong.

1)     Gambling is prompted by covetousness

Colossians 3:5 -- "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry"

Hebrews 13:5 -- "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

I Timothy 6:10 -- "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

(See also I Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 7:7; Luke 12:15).

2)     Gambling is poor stewardship of our resources

I Corinthians 4:2 -- "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

(See also Matthew 25:14-30)

3)     Gambling ruins the work ethic

Ephesians 4:28 -- "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

Proverbs 28:19 -- "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough."

Proverbs 13:1 -- "A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."

(See also Luke 9:11-27).

4)     Gambling is theft in disguise

Romans 12:17 -- "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

5)     Gambling cannot follow Romans 13:10 for it hopes to take advantage of others. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

6)     Gambling produces evil fruit

Matthew 7:16-17 -- "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

7)     Gambling misplaces trust in God's provision

Proverbs 30:8-9 -- "Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."

8)     Gambling teaches that the end justifies the means (i.e., school raffles for "worthy" projects) 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."

9)     Gambling cannot follow the Golden Rule

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."

10)  Gambling seeks to get "something for nothing" contrary to God's will

Genesis 3:19 -- "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

Ephesians 4:28 -- "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

Proverbs 28:20 -- "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."

11)  Gambling encourages sloth and laziness

Matthew 25:26 -- "His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed"

I Thessalonians 4:11 -- "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you"

2 Thessalonians 3:10 -- "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat"

12)  Gambling is a habit-forming practice that destroys self-control

2 Timothy 3:3 -- "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"

13)  Gambling associates you with evil companions

I Corinthians 15:33 -- "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."

14)  Gambling encourages selfishness and heartlessness

Galatians 6:10 -- "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Romans 13:10 -- "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

15)  Gambling encourages discontent in life

I Timothy 6:6-9 -- "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."

Psalm 62:10 -- "Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them."