Lambs gambol, men gamble, both are fleeced! Those who look for happiness in gambling are barking up the wrong tree. A big win is bad news because it feeds greed and greed by its very nature is never satisfied. Every casino, fruit machine or betting shop is an attractive trap designed to deceive and rob the unwary. Instead of benefiting their customers they turn them into slaves gripped by the chains of chance and imprisoned in a dungeon of debt, despair and addiction.
The dictionary defines gambling as ‘games of chance for money’. It’s true that we all need money but the Bible warns us that the love of money is the root of all evil. [ 1 Timothy 6:10 ] Money is to be earned honestly and used wisely. It is not to be abused by being recklessly staked on games of chance. Gambling focuses attention on money rather than work, it is therefore totally opposite to the healthy Christian ethic of conscientious work and the responsible handling of money. No matter what some people may say, gambling is a menace to society. The sponsors are parasites who prey on the weakness of human nature in order to line their own pockets.
The complete opposite to gambling is giving! Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [ Acts 20:35 ]. In other words, there is more joy in giving than in getting! Happy is the person who gains this heavenly wisdom which is better than gold. [ Proverbs 3:13 & 16:16 ].
Whilst Jesus was giving His life and paying the penalty for our sins, the Roman soldiers were gambling for His garments at the foot of the cross. But they were also gambling with their souls by placing all their bets on this life, not the next! Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul.” [ Matthew 16:26 ] Don’t be fooled!
