GAMBLING - PART ONE

GAMBLING

          Most Christians believe that gambling is not a sin. But, when you look at it critically then you will realize the truth. Gambling in general is just seen by many as way of making quick money. But what does the bible says about money?

The scripture made it clear that everything belongs to God. Paul asked in 1 Corinthians 4:7 “…What do you have that you did not receive…?” Even though individual work to earn money, the bible says that God is the ultimate source of their income “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth…..”   (Deuteronomy 8:18)

          If the bible already declared that “my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19), why look for ways to get rich quick?

Scripture also makes it clear that money is to be gained through hard work and labour. “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to want (poverty)” (Proverbs 14:23) and “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19).

          Jesus said “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), but gamblers only have one goal “Receive, Receive and Receive”

Money itself is not evil, but the pursuit of money is. Apostle Paul said “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced their hearts with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

          In the parable of the sower, Jesus warned about the desires of money “And as for those who fell among thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are chocked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14)

If you can understand the real truth about money, a positions on gambling is much easier to reach. Today, gambling takes different forms, quick-stop gaming stand (Video poker), lotteries and one that is eating up most Nigerian youths and even grownups; Sports betting.