ONLINE CHURCH BULLETIN

WHAT ARE MY MOTIVATIONS?

Hastings' Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics says gambling is motivated by three primary urges:

Desire for gain without work (Ex. 20:17; Col. 3:5, 6; 2 Thes. 2: 10). Many are impatient with the delays of regular work. They want to acquire without trouble what normally takes much effort. This is gambling's basic motivation. Take the money out of horse racing and see how many people come to the Kentucky Derby. How much would be made if its offices announced no bets would be paid, but each may contribute ten dollars at the window for the retired jockeys' old age pension fund? Let owners say slot machines are just for recreation and the one-armed bandits will collect dust. How long would the lines be if the state said "no lotteries will pay, but citizens that can donate to the state's education fund at any place that has sold tickets?"

Desire for excitement (I Pet. 2:11). Many crave an intensified life. Gambling's risk, suspense, thrill, hope, surprise, shock, and disappointment supply it. This can lawfully be met in other ways. Desire for competition. This, too, can be met without risking addiction and an unfavorable judgment from God (2 Cor. 5: 10). Gambling is motivated by covetousness, laziness, and recklessness.

". ..walk circumspectly ... as wise. . ." -Eph, 5:15