Can Christians Play The Lottery?

The lottery is on the minds of many due to the large jackpots recently and because the State of Tennessee is continually considering legalizing the lottery. The question should be asked, “Can Christians play the lottery?”

Paul said “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17. That means that our actions are to be subject to and in harmony with Jesus’ will. Is playing the lottery in harmony with His will?

Often, before discussing what an issue is about it is good to discuss what the issue is not about. 1) The issue is not taking a chance or risk. Driving, boating and walking all carry risk and involve chance. Taking a chance or risk is not the issue. 2) Investing money in the stock market can be risky but it is not the issue. In Matthew 25 our Lord teaches faithfulness by using the example of putting money in investments. Playing the lottery and investing money in the stock market are not alike. 3) What is done with the money is not the issue. Most states have earmarked funds from the winnings to be used for education. Some have suggested that a Christian can play the lottery as long as he is generous in his gifts to the Lord if he wins. This is an “ends justifies the means” argument – that is, if good comes it justifies the action, some think. We might argue that allowing the State to sale heroin or cocaine is fine as long as the proceeds go to education. Surely we can all see the fallacy in such a position. 4) The lottery being legal is not an issue. There are many things that are legal yet sinful. It is legal to consume alcohol. It is legal to cheat on your wife. It is legal to murder unborn children. One day it will probably be legal to take illicit drugs. These are not issues relative to our question concerning the lottery.

Let’s notice 4 points about playing the lottery.

Playing violates the Biblical principals of work and stewardship. Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who stole steal no more but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have to give him who has need.” Jesus wants men employed in good occupations so that their excess can be shared with those in need. We are not to blow our money in frivolous activities such as playing the lottery. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” As God is generous toward us He wants us to give back to Him and be abundant in every good work. (Verse 8)

Playing is a form of covetousness. Covetousness is a strong desire for something that causes us to violate God’s will. Achan’s desire for the contraband at Jericho is an example (Joshua 7:1, 20-21). Many are driven by the chance to win millions. A spending frenzy begins as jackpots grow larger. The sin is failing to use the bounty from the Lord in the ways the Lord expects.

Covetousness results when we are not satisfied with this life. The advertisers appeal to our covetous side as they present the factory worker who is able to quit his job because of the millions he won. They show us the school teacher who is finally able to buy her dream home from the winnings. As we watch we grow more and more dissatisfied.

Covetousness associated with the lottery causes us to abandon the wisdom of God. 1 Timothy 6:8 “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” Luke 12:15, “...for one’s life does not consist of the things he possesses.” Remember the beginning of that verse - “Take heed and beware of covetousness...” Paul said, “But...covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.” and “no...covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Ephesians 5:3,5.

Playing can lead to a lack of self-control. It is estimated there are over 6 million Americans addicted to playing games like the lottery. Gamblers Anonymous has a ten-step recovery program. 2 Peter 1:5-8 lists self-control as one of the virtues a Christian is to make part of his life. Self-control means our minds rule over our actions. Addiction is a lack of self-control. All addiction is sin, not just alcoholism or drug addiction. Christians who think they can play the lottery and not become addicted are just as foolish as the man who thinks he can experiment with drugs and not get hooked. Peter goes on to explain in verse 9, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”

Playing demonstrates a willing dismissal of God’s teaching about money. 1 Timothy 6:9,10 “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil...” The lottery incites these desires Paul warns against. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Paul instructs the rich to “be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share…” Rather than wasting our money on the lottery we are to be busy using it for the benefit of others.

What if you win? Jesus said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself lost or destroyed?” Luke 9:25.

Can Christians play the lottery? Yes, but not if they want to be faithful to the Lord Jesus and to go to heaven. It should be evident from these passages that the lottery is sinful and something Christians will have no part of if they want to please God.