GAMBLING.

GAMBLING
Waymon Summers

Gambling is like a dirty filthy hand weaving a slimy corrupt web which leaves a stain on a country that has far too many problems already. This greed machine seems to invade political parties, religious groups, schools, businesses and homes. Persons who have been involved have started drinking and then using drugs. Result – loss of job, spouse, family and self-respect.

Solomon wrote, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Proverbs 11:11). We need to pray for citizens to awake to the emptiness of the promises of high powered public relations campaigns and to the nonstop lobbying that is staged by the gambling interest. Friends, be not deceived, the gambling interest is patient. Their thinking is “each time it is proposed, it softens the thinking and opposition,” and that eventually they will have their way. Let us never become involved individually, or, by helping it, to become legalized.What Is
Wrong With Gambling?

It is a work of the flesh. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). It is idolatry, an inordinate greed for money and material goods. Someone has estimated there are six million compulsive gamblers who have become addicted. Gambling has become their “god.” It is covetousness (which is idolatry, Colossians 3:5). Gambling is a subtle means of thievery and extortion. The works of the flesh are condemned and we are admonished “to abhor that which is evil: cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9): “Evil companions corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33): and “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

The Council on Compulsive Gambling in New Jersey found that 13 million people were bussed to Atlantic City during 1987 to the gambling dens. 73% of this number were older people and the average person makes 18 visits a year. Gambling is a social evil that harms those who can least afford to forfeit their financial resources in the promise of instant wealth. One may ask, “What are some ways to become involved in gambling?” Answer: bingo, horse racing, dog racing, poker, raffles, sports team betting (consider Pete Rose), lottery and many others. The entire issue of Sports Illustrated, March 10, 1986, was devoted to “Gambling, America’s National Pastime?” Organized crime’s number one money maker is gambling.

What Are The Results Of Gambling?

Gambling produces a loss of friends. Friendship is built on the foundation of love, and gambling is opposed to the law of love. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 10:13). It develops doubt and distrust, makes fools of those who engage in it, undermines respect for the law. Tacitus and Marcellinus, early non-Christian writers, said “gambling men are led to fraud, cheating, lying, perjury, theft, and other enorminities.” Gambling has led children to steal from their parents, and parents to steal from the piggy banks of their children. Gambling violates the principle of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) and draws people away from God.

In the light of Philippians 4:8, could gambling be right? “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.”