Seven Reasons to Avoid Playing the Lottery as a Christian

Seven Reasons to Avoid Playing the Lottery

The lottery industry in the United States has grown to become a multibillion-dollar business, with Americans spending more than $70 billion annually on tickets, according to recent statistics. Lotteries are legal in 43 states, with over $230 spent on them for every man, woman, and child in those states. However, as Christians, we must consider the ethical and spiritual implications of participating in this industry. Here are seven reasons why we should avoid playing the lottery.

1. It Is a Poor Stewardship of God’s Resources

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. Playing the lottery is an irresponsible use of our money, as it is essentially gambling with the hope of obtaining a large sum of money without having to work for it. This mentality goes against the biblical principle of “diligent hands” bringing wealth (Proverbs 10:4) and the command to “work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Furthermore, the chances of winning the lottery are incredibly slim, with odds ranging from 1 in 292 million for the Powerball to 1 in 302 million for the Mega Millions jackpot. The money spent on lottery tickets could be put towards more meaningful and fruitful endeavors, such as supporting missions or charitable organizations.

2. It Can Lead to Greed and Covetousness

The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and covetousness, which are both sins. Playing the lottery can fuel these sinful desires, as it encourages people to focus on obtaining wealth at all costs, rather than seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). It can lead to a love of money, which is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and a discontentment with the blessings that God has already given us.

3. It Is Built on the Exploitation of the Poor

Lotteries often target those who are financially vulnerable, such as the poor and elderly. Studies have shown that low-income individuals spend a disproportionate amount of their income on lottery tickets, with some spending up to 9% of their income on them. This is troubling, as it is essentially an exploitation of the poor for the benefit of the wealthy. As Christians, we are called to care for the poor and vulnerable (James 1:27) and not to profit off of their misfortune.

4. It Can Foster a Spirit of Entitlement and Laziness

Winning the lottery can create a sense of entitlement and a lack of motivation to work hard and earn a living. It can foster a spirit of laziness and a desire for instant gratification, rather than the discipline and perseverance required to achieve success through hard work. This goes against the biblical principle of reaping what we sow (Galatians 6:7) and the value of hard work and diligence (Proverbs 14:23).

5. It Is a Form of Worldly Conformity

The Bible warns against conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2) and seeking after the things that the world values. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions is a common theme in our culture, and playing the lottery is just one manifestation of this. As Christians, we are called to be different from the world and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

6. It Can Damage Relationships and Communities

The pursuit of wealth can often come at the expense of relationships and community. Winning the lottery can create tension and jealousy among family members and friends, and it can also lead to a lack of trust and honesty in relationships. Furthermore, studies have shown that communities with higher rates of lottery ticket purchases tend to have lower levels of social capital, such as trust, reciprocity, and civic engagement.

7. It Is a Poor Witness to the Gospel

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and to share the good news of the gospel with those around us. However, participating in the lottery can damage our witness and credibility, as it sends the message that we are more concerned with material wealth than with the things of God. It can also create a stumbling block for those who struggle with gambling addiction or who have been negatively impacted by the lottery industry.

Conclusion

While playing the lottery may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, it is important for us as Christians to consider the ethical and spiritual implications of our actions. By avoiding the lottery, we can be good stewards of God’s resources, resist the temptation of greed and covetousness, care for the poor and vulnerable, foster a spirit of hard work and diligence, resist conformity to the world, build strong relationships and communities, and maintain a credible witness to the gospel. Let us choose to prioritize the things of God over the fleeting allure of wealth and material possessions.