If you are a devout Christian and go to church every Sunday yet want to try out gambling, then it is always better to ensure if the Bible considers it a sin or not. It is also important to take note of gambling as a pastime based on both the instructions and advice provided in the holy book as well via life observations and lessons. Read on to know all about the effects of gambling from the point of view of the Christian community as well as through actual observations from bona fide gambling enthusiasts.
Is Gambling in the Bible?
For believers, it is extremely important to know if gambling as an activity has a presence in the Bible or not. Gambling may not be completely present in the Bible, but the casting of lots sure has quite a number of significant references. Casting lots might not be outright gambling but it is indeed a game of chance where you make decisions based on probability.
It is similar to the flipping of a coin and shouting heads or tails. Random selections of sticks of different lengths and stones of varying colours are also some of the games of chance mentioned in the Bible.
There are a number of stories in the Bible where gambling plays some part or the other. In Numbers 26:55, the people of Israel cast lots to determine land divisions. In the 1 Chronicles 24:5, the temple priests did the same. In Acts 1:26, the Church cast lots to ascertain who would be appointed as the twelfth apostle instead of Judas Iscariot.
In Jonah 1:7, casting lots was used to decide who caused disasters. But probably the first known Bible example of gambling would be the story of the distribution of Jesus’ garments written in Matt 27:35. This was merely a game, but was played for a very hefty reward.
Is Gambling a Sin? Exploration from a Christian Perspective
Gambling has never been declared a sin in the Christian Bible. Gambling enables you to place bets to get a reward (monetary or otherwise). Gambling can be a rewarding pastime, especially if you want some thrills as well as a bit of easy money. But, the downsides are also plenty. These include gambling addiction which can be life-ruining in the long run.
Even though the Bible does not completely deride gambling, it does provide some red flags against monetary love and the need to get easy money.
What Makes Anything a Sin?
A sin is something that has been prohibited by God. In the Bible, anything that has been warned in the commandments would constitute sin. Sin is not only about prohibitions, though. It is also about not doing good when you have the clear opportunity to.
Therefore, even if God does not declare something to be a sin in the Bible, but you know what you are doing is wrong, then all the activity is a sin. If you know in your heart that you are committing something wrong, “it is sin for them”. This has a presence in James 4:17 where it has been written regarding people too in love with money and who have forgotten God in the process.
Is Gambling a Small Sin? Here Are 2 Answers
Thing is this question does not have a straightforward answer. The two answers to this question are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. It could be a yes or a no. Is it a sin to support a donation exercise and buy a couple of bingo tickets? Is Fantasy Football betting bad? Maybe it is. Maybe it is not. The real answer to this question is therefore your own conscience and what it says to you.
What Is Gambling Exactly?
Gambling can be understood in the 3 steps mentioned below:
1. It is a game that has mostly to do with chance.
2. Then you need to place some money on the result of this game.
3. If you win, you get a reward.
Gambling can be purely for fun or it can be engaged in for some easy cash. Some prominent examples of gambling games include bingo, poker, slot machines, lotteries, sports betting and more.
What Biblical Principles Should Guide Our Understanding of Gambling?
Take a look at the following Biblical principles in order to understand gambling and what to avoid:
1. According to Jesus, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matt 6:24)
2. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (Timothy 6:9-10)
What Life Observations slShould Guide Our Understanding of Gambling?
Remember that gambling has negative side effects aplenty. Responsible gambling is significant as it ensures that you do not join the list of 2 million people in the US who are gambling addicts. Gambling addiction is a very real case and can be cured via therapy sessions and more.
Ask yourself some questions before devoting more time to gambling –
“Would you take loans to support your gambling?”
“Do you have an insatiable urge to gamble whenever you are sad or stressed?”
“Would you ever commit a crime just to fund your gambling activities?”
If any of these questions have an affirmative answer, then you need to seek help.
Why Is Gambling Categorised as a “Sin Stock”?
Gambling is a part of the “sin stock”. These are stocks to invest in which are all bound to immoral activities. These include adult entertainment, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and gambling. No wonder Las Vegas is often called “Sin City”.
A Profound Question from a Fairy Tale
There is a tiny fairy tale to fuel some introspection from you.
George McDonald writes about a little boy named Curdie who was playing with his bow and arrow. Suddenly, he shot a bird. When he realised that it was the queen’s pet bird, he apologised and said that he had unintentionally killed the bird. The queen asked, “You say you didn’t mean any harm: did you mean any good, Curdie?”
This is a question as gamblers must ask themselves at least once in life.
Final Words
Is gambling a sin is not really the question then, right? Instead, it must be – is gambling a sin for you?