Is gaming a sin?
Introduction. By "gaming" I suppose gambling is meant. The only way one can determine if an act is sinful is by the scriptures. Some matters are not specifically mentioned, however, there are biblical principles which apply.
Gambling violates the legitimate laws of obtaining money. The Bible recognizes the law of labor (Gen. 3:19, Eph. 4:28), law of exchange (Matt. 25: 9), and the law of love (gift, John 3:16). Gambling does not come under any of these legitimate ways of obtaining monies. Gambling involves the mentality of "something for nothing." Gambling is theft by consent.
Gambling involves tragic waste. We are to glorify God in our material possessions (Eph. 4:28, Luke 16:9). There is waste associated with gambling. A sign at an area gambling establishment read: "Win 25 percent of the time." In other words, you lose 75 percent of the time! However, the real waste is in lives.
The fruit of gambling. Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:16). Corruption and crime are products of gambling. "Gambling is a vicious evil. It corrupts our youth and blights the lives of adults, "writes J. Edgar Hoover. "It becomes the spring-board for other crimes – embezzlement, robbery, even murder." Gambling can be enslaving (2 Pet. 2:19), and often involves evil associates (1 Cor. 15:33).
Conclusion. To be candid, legalized gambling is a sorry reflection on the States and counties which endorse it! Gambling may create initial revenue, but the ultimate financial, sociological and spiritual price by far outweigh the initial revenues. Gambling is a sin.
Gambling violates the legitimate laws of obtaining money. The Bible recognizes the law of labor (Gen. 3:19, Eph. 4:28), law of exchange (Matt. 25: 9), and the law of love (gift, John 3:16). Gambling does not come under any of these legitimate ways of obtaining monies. Gambling involves the mentality of "something for nothing." Gambling is theft by consent.
Gambling involves tragic waste. We are to glorify God in our material possessions (Eph. 4:28, Luke 16:9). There is waste associated with gambling. A sign at an area gambling establishment read: "Win 25 percent of the time." In other words, you lose 75 percent of the time! However, the real waste is in lives.
The fruit of gambling. Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:16). Corruption and crime are products of gambling. "Gambling is a vicious evil. It corrupts our youth and blights the lives of adults, "writes J. Edgar Hoover. "It becomes the spring-board for other crimes – embezzlement, robbery, even murder." Gambling can be enslaving (2 Pet. 2:19), and often involves evil associates (1 Cor. 15:33).
Conclusion. To be candid, legalized gambling is a sorry reflection on the States and counties which endorse it! Gambling may create initial revenue, but the ultimate financial, sociological and spiritual price by far outweigh the initial revenues. Gambling is a sin.