Singapore Moses Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

Lottery is nothing but gambling. The State-run raffles are simply official gambling. Our Governments don't have absolutes in their moral standards. One government closes the liquor shops and the next government opens them by its "honourable" ministers! 

From an Editorial in Moody Monthly I read, "Gambling violates the Christian concept of providence. It's no coincidence that gamblers are notoriously superstitious. Having lost sight of the sovereignty of God, they grope for any method, no matter how dubious, to manipulate the forces of fate." 

Lotteries appeal to greed. The Bible sternly warns us against get-rich-quick philosophy. "An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end" (Prov 20:21). "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished" (Prov 28:20). These statements are proved again and again in the lives of most of the lottery prize winners who have only become more miserable (1 Tim 6:9,10). But when God makes one rich, He adds no sorrow! 

Beware of the beginnings! Lottery players usually begin with one or two tickets. Suppose they get a small prize of 100 or 1000 rupees, they are irresistably tempted to buy more tickets. Oh how many families are denied bread because the husbands and fathers are addicted to lottery! Money is like sea water which never quenches one's thirst but only increases it. 

Lotteries make a handful of millionaries by stealing from millions. Most of the lottery players belong to the middle and lower income groups. Can we anger the God of the poor? (Prov 22:16). Lotteries are also used by the rich to turn their black money into white. 

Some Christians justify lottery by saying that they would give 50% to God if they won! Beloved, God abhors unclean money. Preachers and pastors should politely refuse offerings from lottery prizes. 

If you are not able to make both ends meet, seek to do some extra work to supplement your income. Streamline your budget. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Ask God for daily bread and ask Him to bless it. "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Tim 6:6-8).

January 13 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

William Villont Retired Police Sergeant, Radio Broadcaster

The Bible does not specifically mention Gambling, which is what playing the lottery is, but it does address the casting of lots for purposes of making decisions, Joshua 18:10; Nehemiah 10: 34. And Proverbs 16:33 emphasizes the sovereignty of God: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord".

However the playing of the lottery is to win money, and the Bible tells us what our attitude toward money should be. So often riches get in the way of a man's spiritual benefit. Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hat 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" 1st Timothy 6: 10 reminds us that the love of money is the root of all evil.

Playing the lottery is a "get rich quick scheme" and is usually futile, and the fact is, God wants people to work hard for their money. We ought to gain wealth through diligence, as a gift from the Lord. Gamblers typically covet money. So we should be cautious about playing the lottery and there is probably better uses for the money spent of foolish notions of getting rich quick.

Buying a lottery ticket here and there may not be a sin, but greed is. One playing the lottery must pray as to their motives for playing and follow the Holy Spirit's answer to your needs. If you continue to play, play responsibly and in moderation. But please pray about your motives for wanting to get rich quick.

January 13 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report