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Published by the
Orthodox
Christian Network,
August 5, 2005
WANNA BET? |
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Father Christopher Metropulos
In a recent report a study showed that gambling
has become a $40 billion dollar a year industry
in the United States. With the rise of State
sponsored lotteries, Indian tribes building
casinos, and more and more money being wagered
on sporting events, the National Institute of
Mental Health concluded 4.2 million Americans
are addicted to gambling, 60 percent of whom
have yearly incomes under $25,000.
All of this is harmless fun, right? After all,
churches have been sponsoring raffles and bingo
nights and even “casino nights” to raise money
for years. So there’s really nothing wrong with
a little gambling now and then, is there?
As usual, the answer is both yes and no. To
occupy the extreme on either end of the issue is
to both miss the point and to avoid the real
dangers. The extremes represent the “easy” way
out.
The real danger is the weakness of the human
soul, not the gambling itself. The sad reality
is that many times those who can afford it least
are gambling in hopes of “hitting the jackpot”
and “getting rich.” But the stories of big
lottery winner ruining their lives are by now
old news and getting “rich” quick is many times
a recipe for disaster. But Father, I’ll give a
big check to the Church if I win! O, well, in
that case it’s OK.
Seriously, there are three Christian principles
that should govern our choices and behavior when
it comes to betting and games of chance. They
are:
Work is more Valuable than Chance. St.
Paul told the Thessalonians that "If a man
will not work, he shall not eat." (2
Thessalonians 3:10). The fact is since the Fall
of humanity in the Garden so many years ago,
humanity has been commanded by God to work the
earth to gain a living. This gift of work
is another way God has blesses humanity with the
means of our salvation. It is in working with
our own hands that we, like our Creator, bring
out of the earth our sustenance and livelihood.
Work breaks the power of both pride and laziness
that robs a man of his worth and his talent.
Faith is Stronger than “Luck.” No matter
what the pay off in a game of chance, our
ultimate security and our future can never be
satisfied with the roll of the dice. Listen to
the words of our Lord Jesus to His disciples
(that includes you and me): "And why do you
worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the
field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I
tell you that not even Solomon in all his
splendor was dressed like one of these. If that
is how God clothes the grass of the field, which
is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the
fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of
little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What
shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or
'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after
all these things, and your heavenly Father knows
that you need them. But seek first his kingdom
and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:28-33)
God loves us. He knows what we need. He is more
reliable than any bet.
Finally, Eternal Wealth is not measured in
Money. In that same chapter in Matthew,
Jesus tells us all to “store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and
rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not
break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.” (Matthew
6:20, 21) After all, we Christians believe in
“the resurrection of the dead and the life of
the world to come”, don’t we? If eternity is
really at home in our hearts then we can never
reduce our wealth to simple possessions or even
the temporary comforts of today. No, our
“riches” also include the wealth of spiritual
blessings we have been given in our precious
faith and in our eternal salvation. That’s what
is truly valuable to us. A wise man invests in
eternal things and doesn’t pin his hopes on
cards and ponies.
Enjoying an entertaining weekend in Vegas is one
thing, and wasting precious financial resources
hoping to “hit it big” is another. My faith
rests on a Savior Who loves me more than I,
myself, know how to love, and it is that faith
that is a “sure thing!”
This week Emmy and I visit with Fr. John Hondros.
He pastors St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church
in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fr. John is on the front
lines of pastoring in one of the nation’s
gambling capitals and he will bring a pastoral
perspective on the effects of gambling on the
lives of real people. Make sure you make time to
listen this week.
Until next week.
Yours for the spread of Orthodoxy,
Fr. Chris Metropulos
P.S. One way to help me spread the word about
Come Receive The Light is forwarding this
newsletter to friends. Use the “Send To A
Friend” button on the side and help me spread
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