More about gambling

Gambling is a tricky word because many of us put our funds in stocks for investment and that is considered alittle bit gambling. The key is "how you are using God's money?" Many denominations have a problem with gambling. Greed and covetousness are sin (Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are motives in most gambling. Proverbs warns of disaster for people who want to get rich quickly (28:20,22). Gambling can be addictive, and even if you don't fall prey to it as a compulsive habit, your example may cause others to be enslaved by it (I Cor. 8:9, 13). Why no boycott or at least better legistlation? Gambling bring in big bucks for local communities. Most states even have their own "lottery system". Some churches even sponsor "Bingo Nights". Over the years, Christians have decided not to fight gambling that they know they are not going to win. There are some Christians that tend to focus on how to prosper rather than spiritual stewardship. Spiritual stewardship is looking at their financial situation and to look at their life spiritually in from God's perspectives. Jesus warned about greed (see Luke 12). Proverbs 22:26 (The Message) Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. (NIV) Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts. (NKJV) Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts. Now... I am not against gambling. I am against the greed of gambling. I do admit that I have played the football and basketball pools. I do this for fun rather than greed. My motive have to be determined why I am playing (gambling). I like to have fun so I do put in a few bucks in football or basketball pools and lottery once in awhile. It is important that we look from God's perspective in our stewardship so that we are not pursuing desires against God's will and purpose. Because if we are pursuing our selfish desires rather than God's will and purpose, then our motives are wrong. Christians' view of money and material possessions is an effective barometer of our spirituality. This is between you and God. Jeremiah 17:10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."