We will not find the word gambling in the Bible. However, like so many other issues in life, the Bible does contain timeless principles that apply. We cannot assume that an activity is right or wrong simply because it is not mentioned.
Some try to support gambling by comparing it to the "casting of lots," which we read about in both the Old and New Testaments. Although casting of lots was common among many ancient cultures, usually this method was employed when people had to make a decision; and in most instances, casting lots was simply a way of determining something impartially. We remember that Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments at His crucifixion.
Now to today. While casinos and lotteries promise thrills and excitement, people gamble to try to win money. However, the Scriptures give very specific instructions about what our attitude should be toward money. "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). Paul reminds us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10).
In one sense, gambling is a way to bypass work, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard. Proverbs 10:4 says, "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."
Another key principle in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them. Those who gamble may believe they earn their money with their own labor and may spend it as they please. Yet, God gives us talent and health to carry out our jobs. Wise stewardship of any extra monies calls believers to invest it, give it into the work of the Lord, or to save it for emergencies, rather than lose it in games in which the odds are stacked against the player. Sometimes people who gamble use monies that should rightfully go toward their family's needs.
Gambling also promotes covetous attitudes. The Scriptures speak directly to this possibility. Exodus 20:17 says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not coven your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Sadly, gamblers many times covet the things money can buy, such as cars, boats, houses, expensive jewelry and clothing. Gambling also has the potential to turn into an addiction, like drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, two-million American adults are pathological gamblers and another 4 to 6 million are problem gamblers. Such addictions destroy family stability, lead to job loss and cause a person to lose control of his life. 2 Peter 2:19 says, "...for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."
Finally, gambling provides a sense of false hope. Participants place their hope in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their hope in God. The Bible clearly supports the idea that our hope is in God alone, not money, power or position.
My heart is heavy as I ponder this question. Hopefully, this husband does not confess Christ as Savior and Lord. I could partially understand and accept such a request from an unsaved person.
The first thought that comes to mind is "adultery." Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:28, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
God's holy and non-negotiable plan is that husbands and wives enjoy physical intimacy within the boundaries of monogamy. It does not matter if your husband is referring to audio-visual porn or smut magazines; it's all the same--adultery. When married men focus their attention and sexual energies outside their marriage partner, they commit adultery.
If I were this wife, I would feel totally violated. Such a request constitutes a breach of trust. Marriage is a covenant between a man and his wife, and God will judge those who practice such lifestyles (1 Corinthians 6:9).
This request has absolutely nothing to do with submission. It is ungodly, unholy and UNACCEPTABLE! The Law of Higher Principle guides this comment. Consider Peter's words in Acts 5:27-29 when the disciples were asked to stop preaching the gospel in Jerusalem.
Peter's resolve illustrates the Law of Higher Principle: "When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, 'We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.' But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
There are times when we have to override men's devices and do what's right in God's eyes. Your husband has no right to ask you to violate your conscience before God. He may become offended and even upset, but it doesn't matter. Porn would, in this case, become "the other woman."
Frankly, I'm appalled at such a request. What kind of husband, Christian or not, would ask such a despicable thing of his wife? A wife needs to know that her husband has eyes and desire ONLY toward her. I know I've come across rather harshly, but the very thought of such a request hurts my spirit.
First, let me say that this honesty tickles me. The reason parts of the Bible may seem boring to you is because it reads like a catalog. I agree that genealogical listings don't make for easy devotional material! Try reading 1 Chronicles 23-27 in one sitting!
However, always remember that the Holy Spirit had a specific, necessary reason to include every word (ever chapter) in the Bible. After a while, you'll come to understand redemption's "bigger picture!"
But for now, let's deal with where you are, okay? I'm not sure how long you've known the Lord, but let me suggest that you find a translation of the Bible that's easy to understand. Some disagree with my recommendations, and that's perfectly alright. Many times I tell new Christians to buy a Living Bible. This is not a translation (scholarly work), but it may help you more clearly understand what the Bible's individual authors are trying to say. Another popular version is the Message Bible. This, too, puts the Bible in everyday, easy-to-understand language.
Possible easier-reading translations include the New Living Translation or perhaps the New American Standard version. You may wish to stay away from the King James and New King James translations and the Amplified Bible until you have somewhat mastered the overall message of God's Word.
Continuity is also important when it comes to reading the bible. Don't think in terms of how much you read each day. Rather, establish a daily habit--same time, same place--and read slowly for the sake of understanding. Jot down anything you don't understand or any questions you may have, and ask a more seasoned believer to help you.
I usually recommend that less seasoned believers begin their Bible reading adventure in the Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books are "snapshots" of the life of Jesus. You may also wish to begin reading the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. Stay in the New Testament for awhile, as
1. The details of the Law may weigh you down.
2. The historical books quite often overlap.
3. The wisdom literature gets emotionally heavy, and
4. The Minor and Major Prophets can seem somewhat harsh.
Take your time! Read slowly and deliberately. It's better to read a few verses and understand them than it is to read a few chapters and feel overwhelmed. And since I have this opportunity, let me encourage you to obtain a free copy of my workbook, Running Your Race. This simple guide for new believers and those who wish a refresher course will aid you in your Bible reading.
If you're interested in receiving your free copy, email me at: loomisrl@windstream.net
God bless you as you continue to read and study your Bible. Find an accountability partner, and "little by little" share together the wonders of God's Word!
I remember wondering that very question when I was a teenage boy. It seemed to me that finding God's will was such a mysterious, hard-to-understand issue--almost a shot in the dark!
David says in Psalm 48:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God..." Another often-quoted verse pertaining to the will of God is Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your ind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
A lot of Christians talk about the perfect and permissible will of God, using this verse as a support. However, I don't have time or space to elaborate on this teaching. Another verse that comes to mind is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification..." Paul specifically mentions sanctification as it relates to possessing our "vessel (body) in sanctification and honor."
From these passages and more, we discover that God does have a plan and purpose for our lives. We also learn that above all, His will is that we allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our lives--in these cases, our minds and bodies.
This subject cannot be adequately treated in this venue, but allow me to offer two principles that I have always operated by when it came to the specific will of God in my life:
1. First, I believe the will of God is tied in to the gifts and desires that God places within each one of us. In Psalm 37:4, David says to "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart." God does not want us to simply exist. He desires that we walk in "fullness of joy." He will not require you to go through life unfulfilled. He has placed within you special gifts and talents to use for His glory.
What do you like to do? What incites passion in your life? What motivates you toward excellence? What do you often think about? What desires and assignments has God placed within your spiritual DNA?
God will sponsor what He initiates!
Ask Him to fine-tune your desires. Remember, "Your steps are ordered" (Psalm 37:23). God is not an Indian-giver. What He deposits inside you, He wishes to use! But please, try to avoid a "hocus-pocus, waving the magic wand" mentality when it comes to knowing the will of God for your life. Don't make it so mystical or super-spiritual. However, don't be surprised either if God uses another believer to confirm what He's already placed within your heart!
2. Second, I believe the will of God is always accompanied by perfect peace. "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3)
When making important decisions in life, I refuse to move ahead until I experience God's perfect peace regarding the matter at hand.
Recently my son, Zach and I went car shopping. He found a car that he could both afford and one he really liked. He talked to the dealer and made arrangements to sign the necessary papers the following day. However, as the day wore on, he became more and more unsettled. Neither did I have peace about the car. When I shared my concerns with Zach, he proceeded to share his hesitations with me. Later, circumstances proved us right, and we were both so glad we did not follow through with the purchase. The peace of God saved the day (or in our case, a lack of peace).
The will of God is such a vast subject to discuss; however, I've touched upon two very critical principles, which I feel strongly factor into this subject. I hope this abbreviated discussion helps you.
