The Christian and gambling.

Have you ever been asked the question: "Should Christians gamble?" The answer, of course, is no, for varying reasons. Firstly, we are to be an example of the believers. A credible testimony disappears when a so-called believer buys a lotto ticket at the local newsagent. Secondly, participating in gambling may throw a stumbling block before an immature believer. Thirdly, statistics show that gambling is a waste of good money, which incidentally God owns. Lastly, there is the plain warning of Scripture.

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
"They that will be rich!"

If only I had more. If only our church had wealthier members. If only I could make more money. If only I had a better job. If only we had a rich benefactor. If only I could win the lottery, I would tithe 25%! If only!

My mother-in-law often quotes an old saying: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!" The Bible teaches us to be content with what we already have!

There is not much doubt that we are living in the Laodicean age. Even poor people in Australia are fabulously wealthy compared to most of the world. We whinge, we complain, we just donít get it. Jesus is all we need. Believers have forgiveness, peace, direction, purpose, love and power. God looks after each one of us as a tender Father cares for His children. We donít need millions. We need to get closer to God.

In Revelation chapter 3, the local church at Laodicea would have fitted in so well today. Note how they viewed themselves:

"I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;"

God's view of this church? "...thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"

Tozer comments on the materialism of the modern age: "There is no doubt that the possessive clinging to things is one of the most harmful habits in life. Because it is so natural, it is rarely recognised for the evil that it is. But its outworking is tragic. This ancient curse will not go out painlessly. The tough old miser within us will not lie down and die obedient to our command. He must be torn out, torn out of our hearts like a plant from the soil; he must be extracted in blood and agony like a tooth from the jaw. He must be expelled from our souls in violence as Christ expelled the money changers from the temple."

We deceive ourselves if we view our standing before God based on what we own, or would like to own. In fact, the Bible plainly states that the love of money is the root of ALL evil. All. The whole lot.

Money. Use it, give it, earn it, invest it wisely, but donít love it. The height of greed is the desire to be rich. Greed is not good. Let us beware lest we too are swept away with the overwhelming commercial philosophy of our age.