Gambling From A Christian Perspective

Gambling

1. Gambling From A Christian Perspective Argues
2. Gambling From A Christian Perspective

For the believer in Jesus Christ, there should be no appeal to take part in gambling. Gambling clearly breaks several biblical principles which are central to a Christian’s way of life. A Christian lifestyle is one that expresses faith in the loving care and provision of Almighty God, not in chance or luck (Matthew 6:33). Hinduism’s view of gambling thus is conditioned by the ideas of karma and reincarnation. Gambling is specifically forbidden according to the most ascetic Hindu practices, while less stringent sects tend to look at the motivations and outcomes of gambling to determine its morality. In general, gambling for entertainment would be frowned upon. Gambling is a wasteful use of the Lord’s money. I doubt that many Christians who gamble tithe, but even if they do, New Testament Christians understand that God doesn’t have the right to only ten percent of our money, but all of it. Even though I am a tither, I am still required to be a steward of all I have because it belongs to God. Gambling is often the result of coveting more wealth or items, which the Book of Luke warns about when it says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

False teacher Perry F. Rockwood well illustrates a common 'Christian' perspective towards gambling. In his booklet, Gambling - The Winner is the Devil, he speaks of the 'damnable sin of gambling,' and maintains,

Gambling is a sin against God because it is mammon worship. (www.tpgh.org/archive/books/11.htm)

No doubt, many who gamble worship mammon (Romans 1:29; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2), and that may be why they gamble; because they are evil and greedy (Proverbs 27:20). But, gambling, in and of itself, is not evil (1 Corinthians 6:12). A godly person could gamble and not sin (Titus 1:15). Yet, Rockwood goes so far as to say,

The only real Christian attitude towards gambling of all kinds is one of nonparticipation in what has grown to be a great social evil. Every Christian should let his bank manager know that he opposes the banks selling gambling tickets. He should inform his pharmacist, supermarket manager and other business men that he is against gambling and will not patronize his business until the practice is stopped. (bold added)

Gambling From A Christian Perspective Argues

So, Rockwood claims 'gambling of all kinds' is 'a great social evil.' Rockwood fails to heed the Scriptures that teach:

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Four times Paul says, 'all things are lawful.' It is lawful to gamble, but it may not be profitable (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23, NAS). In fact, for a majority of people who gamble it is not profitable. The rich casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, exemplify that fact.

Moreover, gambling is lawful, but it may not edify (1 Corinthians 10:23). Actually, it will not edify a brother who, in his own conscience, has a problem with it (Romans 14:16, 21-15:1).

Furthermore, gambling can certainly be, and typically is, the squandering of riches by the foolish (Proverbs 21:20). People foolishly hasten after riches (Proverbs 28:20) and it is typically frivolity (Proverbs 12:11); and the following Proverbs no doubt are fulfilled.

A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him. (Proverbs 28:22; see also Proverbs 21:5)

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! (Proverbs 28:19).

Gambling From A Christian Perspective

Our use of unrighteous mammon is a serious matter before God, and it is not to be taken lightly (Luke 16:10-13). Yet, the wicked are frivolous in their ways (Romans 3:18) and squander their riches (Proverbs 21:20), some via gambling.

But, gambling, in and of itself, is not evil. All things are lawful (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23). What makes it evil, when there is evil, is the desire for riches and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10), which is covetousness (Hebrews 13:5), which is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). So, the gambling itself is not the sin. It is the motive of people's hearts, why they are gambling, and, perhaps, in what way they are gambling (squandering their riches), which makes for a sinful event.

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