“The lottery is considered the marijuana of gambling” was reportedly the finding by the National Impact Gambling Commission appointed by Congress. So I might ask, do we want to legalize marijuana?
If marijuana is an introductory drug, which leads to other stronger substances, so the lottery leads to more addictive forms of gambling. It has been proven that many people are now purchasing lottery tickets with credit cards. Should I say more about credit debt in America, or the rising percentage of US citizens filing bankruptcy due to credit card debt? Is it worthy of consideration that the #1 cause of divorce in the US is financial pressure?
History proves every civilized society in the last 500 years has curtailed gambling. It is an attack on the work ethic in America and pits itself against the Biblical teaching of savings. By the way, gambling (especially the lottery) teaches our children to benefit their own futures at the expense of others. Biblically, gambling violates the tenth commandment of coveting and eliminates God as our provider.
But go beyond your theology and look at in terms of a personal life experience, does gambling (or the lottery) bring glory to God? In other words, would Jesus play the lottery? I do not believe He would.
In June of this year (1999), the Federal Gambling Commission urged a slowdown in lotteries nationwide—this should cast suspicion on the entire idea. Additionally, I challenge each of us to determine who is behind the idea, and who benefits most from the lottery!
As for the “supposed money” it will bring to help us, I remind you of Judas who also believed he would benefit from the 30 pieces of silver he received for betraying Christ. Based on the facts presented by the medical professionals who treat addictive disorders (such as gambling), and the statistics reported by the Gambling Commission, the verdict is still out on the lottery. Therefore, the lottery is nothing more than the spin of the chamber in a game of Russian Roulette.
The Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) states, “Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from the very appearance of evil.” My admonition is that gambling should be avoided by all people at all times and at all costs.
World Outreach Center Sermons – Oneonta, AL