Another State Lottery

Britain had lagged behind a number of her European Union partners in several respects' but last autumn one deficiency was adjusted by the establishment of a National Lottery. So the worldly-wise might regard it, although many who have little scruple from a spiritual stand-point had campaigned against the idea on other grounds.

The whole exercise was hyped up by the media, sensational prominence being given to the winning of vast sums by a few individuals, with the persuasive slogan, 'It might be you'. Charities, arts and sports groups were allocated a proportion of the available funds, benefits which were emphasized to promote and justify the scheme. The initial response far exceeded expectations as millions of people excitedly bought their lottery tickets in hope of winning a fortune.

This development in Britain is of course a microcosm of massive gambling activities world-wide, embracing football pools, casinos, betting shops and the like. It may be argued that some forms of gambling are less likely than others to become addictive or to involve such high risks. Yet the element of chance is in them all, their attraction being the possibility of large gain from relatively small outlay; and this at the expense of others for whom no assets or services are provided. In our modern world, so widely pervaded by a spirit of gambling, what scriptural counsel can be offered to disciples of the Lord Jesus?

As to the broad perspective of life, our Master made clear that 'one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses' (Luke 12:15 NKJV). He urged His disciples not to lay up for themselves treasures on earth, but in heaven, 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Mat. 6:21 NKJV). The same perspective of Christian life is given through the apostle Paul: 'But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out' (1 Tim. 6:6,7 NKJV).

Nevertheless it has clearly been God's will to entrust some with greater riches than others (Eccl. 5:19). Some are rich by inheritance; some become rich by their abilities and diligence. For the Christian this brings a special responsibility in stewardship, as shown by the exhortation of 1 Timothy 6:17,18: 'Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy, and to do good, to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share' (NKJV).

However, there is firm and consistent counsel in Scripture against desiring riches for their own sake, a deeply ingrained motivation of the natural heart and mind. Solomon was among the richest in world history, but it was he who counselled by the Spirit, 'Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom... For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flieth toward heaven' (Prov. 23:4,5). Through the apostle Paul, who had himself renounced earthly prospects for the sake of the Name, we receive an even stronger caution: 'But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows' (1 Tim. 6:9,10 NKJV).

The tenth commandment (Ex. 20:17) emphasizes an aspect of covetousness which prompts wrong desires for other people's possessions, but other aspects of covetousness are also referred to in Scripture. For example the man who asked the Lord Jesus to bid his brother divide the inheritance with him (Luke 12:13) was apparently only asking for his rightful share. Yet the Lord responded: 'Take heed, and keep 'yourselves from all covetousness'. The Greek word here translated covetousness literally means 'a desire to have more'. The same word is used in 2 Pet. 2:3 regarding false teachers motivated by desire for gain. It is also used in regard to sensuality, an inordinate desire for more gratification (eg. Eph. 4:19 RVM). So in the sense of 'wanting to have more' some scriptural warnings are directly relevant to the desire for quick and easy gain through a lottery.

The following questions may help to focus our thoughts on some of the issues involved:

Should not Christian conscience be conditioned by Scripture to avoid involvement in any form of gambling?

Would not participation compromise our testimony to the Master's teaching?

Would not success in large winnings expose the disciple to temptations and spiritual dangers?

Could one glorify God in selling riches by this means in the face of the general counsel of God's Word?

Are we to regard a lottery as 'harmless', or for His Namesake determine to abstain from every form of evil? (1 Thes. 5:22).

unknown | Apr 1995
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