The issue of gambling has stirred up a great deal of controversy in our world today, not only in the religious arena, but also in the secular corner. Many people are locked into a vicious debate over, not only, its moral features but also many of the practical concerns that are associated with it. Some individuals and groups argue that it is beneficial to any state’s pocket book for the legalization of certain types of gambling institutions, while others on the opposite spectrum cite social degradation and general impoverishment as common in states and regions where gambling already exists. The science for establishing any of these claims is as of yet indeterminate, but this has not stopped the two sides from battling it out.

But, where does this leave the Christian? Should we side with either of these groups in attempting to demonstrate the efficacy or depravity of gambling? I think before we side with any one, we should consider what the Bible says about gambling and try to ignore the rhetoric that various groups offer which cancel each other out like two waves that meet in the ocean and immediately fall to calm waters.

Although I am not a theologian, nor a Bible scholar, in my studies I have found nothing in the Bible directly addressing the issue of gambling. It is true that there are references to the act and accounts of people in scripture performing it, but there is no real prescription as to how we should view it in itself. Be that as it may, this should not deter us from really searching the Bible for answers, even if they are indirectly related to gambling. So, what principles are presented to us in the Bible that gives us insight into how we should deal with this? I can think of at least two strong principles that are directly related to gambling even though gambling in its self is not expressly mentioned. One is the principle of sowing and reaping and the other is simply greed.

Concerning the principle of sowing and reaping, there is a clear admonition from scripture of this system and it informs us that A.) God has established it and B.) It should be up held. As to the first part of this, there can be no doubt. Jesus told us that one reaps what one sows whereas not just as a matter of fact, but He characterized it as a God-made structure; one that is good in itself. As well, the fact that its goodness is self sufficient based on God’s preordained form implies to us that we should recognize this in all areas of our life, including our resources. We till the ground and plant first, and then, and only then, do we acquire the fruit of the field. Aside from special circumstances, such as wandering in the wilderness or being ‘on the run’ from evil powers where God provides resources without the initiative of sowing, we must honor this established order. However, the very nature of gambling seems resistant to this. We reap without sowing where the crop that rises from the ground, or the money that grows in the pot, is grossly disproportionate to what is sown into it. A few bucks here in an attempt to gain hundreds more is ostensibly in contrast to the natural system that God has established.

Perhaps a more noticeably immoral element to gambling is greed, provided such an element is necessarily present in all acts of gambling. I would imagine there are many people who would disagree with this. Taking into consideration the fact that gambling is often employed with the opposite motivation in mind. Such instances are raffles that raise money for various charitable organizations and games such as Bingo, which help to keep many of our churches running. Certainly, on the surface it would appear that gambling is not all bad, even to the point of being a helpful sport and not so much a harmful habit.

But, is it really a modest relationship that gambling shares with the hunger of greed and want of gain for its own sake? It is true that many good things can be achieved by way of such enticements (donate ten dollars and have a chance to win this prize)? But, we must ask if the end justifies the means. What is the purpose of gambling outside of a quick thrill and the prospect of easy money? Are these the types of ‘entertainment’ that we Christians should invest ourselves in? I am not asking these questions rhetorically, but literally. One must ask one’s self if betting has a necessary association with a heart that reflects greed to where even the most innocent intentions can lead to a slippery slope. Or, if it is just ‘having a good time’, which is veritably benign in nature; where greed needn’t sneak into our hearts through a back door unnoticed.

Whether or not one chooses to accept gambling as wrong in all situations, in some situations or never, it is important to understand what gambling is and why one is drawn to it as a form of entertainment or past time. The principles I have given are not examples that lead to a strict prohibition of gambling if indeed they are only indirect associations with it. However, if gambling always proves to lead us away from following God’s system of sowing and reaping, right towards the production of a greed-saturated heart, then clearly it should be abstained from. In my own personal view, it is better to refrain from it myself, since if the former possibility is true, I lose nothing, but if the latter is true, I lose everything. It is the safest bet I have wagered.

Send This To A Friend