Just because the government may sanction something, that does not make it right. I do not play the Lottery because (1) It is addictive: The evidence is overwhelming. 5 million gambling addicts, “Compulsive Gamblers Hotline,” “Gamblers Anonymous,” and “Your 1-800 toll free number” all attest to the addictive nature of this vice. (2) It seeks to gain at the expense of others: Do your math. Cost of ticket = $1; Jackpot = $1 million; Number of winners = 1; Number of losers = 999,999. The majority of participants come from the poor and impoverished. (3) It violates Matthew 7:12: “All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them…” The gambler hates these words of Christ because he does not desire that others do to him what he seeks to do unto others. (4) It is bad stewardship: God’s gracious gifts are not to be squandered. “Every good gift…is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (Jas. 1:17). We are stewards of what God has given us, and “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). (5) It violates the work ethic: God’s instructions to us is that we labor with our hands in order that we may have whereof to give to him that hath need (Eph. 4:28). (6) It fails the “fruit test” of our Lord: “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit” (Matt. 7:17). Everywhere gambling has gone, organized crime is not far behind. Heartache, addiction, loss, misery, poverty, and divorce are just a few of the undesirable fruits associated with gambling. Beloved, let us “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).

by Tom Wacaster

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