Should a Christian play the lottery?
Introduction
The lottery represents a common tension point for believers: the desire for sudden financial provision versus the biblical commands regarding wealth and stewardship.
While some view playing the lottery as harmless entertainment, the Christian perspective evaluates the practice through the lens of God's revealed truth about money, work, and dependence. The answer involves examining the motive and the stewardship involved.
1. The Principle of Stewardship vs. The Lure of Greed
The primary concern with playing the lottery is not the act of purchasing a ticket itself, but the underlying motives it often exploits.
The Problem of Greed and Covetousness: The lottery taps into the desire for quick, unearned riches, which is closely linked to greed—a desire for more than is needed or earned. The Bible warns that a focus on getting rich fast can lead to spiritual destruction: "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).
The Principle of Stewardship: Christians are taught that all their possessions, including their money, belong to God and are to be managed wisely. The lottery violates the principle of responsible stewardship by taking resources that could be used for charity or saving and dedicating them to an extremely low-probability gamble. When a Christian spends money, they are accountable for how they invested God's resources.
Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Chance: The lottery relies entirely on random chance, placing hope in a statistically improbable outcome. The Christian life is defined by placing full trust in God's providence (His care and provision), not in luck or fate. "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf" (Proverbs 11:28).
2. The Biblical View on Work and Provision
The Bible consistently links provision to diligent work and wise planning, contrasting with the instant-wealth mentality of the lottery.
Honoring Diligent Labor: God designed humanity to work and earn their living through effort. Scripture speaks highly of industriousness: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" (Proverbs 6:6). Relying on the lottery for provision disregards the God-ordained process of working, saving, and investing.
The Folly of Hasty Riches: Proverbs frequently warns against attempts to become wealthy quickly, which often lead to spiritual or financial ruin: "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow" (Proverbs 13:11). The lottery is the ultimate scheme for obtaining "hasty riches."
3. The Christian Application: Freedom and Conscience
While the core principles argue against playing the lottery, the final application rests on the believer’s conscience and spiritual maturity.
The Law of Love (Charity): If a believer is compelled to purchase a ticket, their decision must be filtered through the lens of love and charity. Is this money better used to serve a person in need, or to indulge a personal fantasy?
A "Tip" or a Habit? Some argue that buying a single, cheap ticket is an insignificant entertainment cost, like buying a candy bar. However, if lottery play becomes a regular habit, consuming an increasing percentage of discretionary income, it moves from "entertainment" to poor stewardship and potential addiction.
Avoiding Offense: If a Christian's participation in the lottery encourages a fellow believer or a struggling person to fall into gambling or poor financial habits, the Christian should abstain out of love: "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9).
Conclusion
The general consensus, based on biblical principles, is that a Christian should avoid playing the lottery. While not explicitly banned, it encourages a mindset rooted in chance and the love of money, rather than diligent stewardship and trust in God’s provision. A believer is called to manage God’s resources wisely and to pursue riches that are spiritual and eternal, not financial and fleeting.
