One evangelist’s magazine had a testimony of a person who won the lottery. He had purchased a ticket, prayed with the evangelist when he prayed in a TV programme. This prayer brought him this win in lottery, and he was donating certain amount for the evangelist. By publishing this testimony, he set a bad and sad example of justifying those who pursue after easy money and also endorsing strange faith of the man who purchased lottery ticket. It was morally and spiritually a stupid thing to do. The Tenth Commandment forbids all kinds of covetousness including greediness for quick money. (Exodus 20:17)
There are various reasons people state for buying lottery tickets. First, for some, that is the only way they can become millionaires in dream or day-dream or futuristic imagination. They also know that they may never win money at all. What they spend would be lost forever. Second, all purchasers are considered equal. Rich or poor, educated or illiterate, rural or urban, young or old, man or woman. Hence, buying tickets is enjoying equal chance to win. Third, many wishes to become rich quickly, without hard work or investment or involvement.
Government considers lottery money as ‘perfect tax’ or tax for dreams. George Washington had coined: “A lottery is the perfect tax… laid only upon the willing.” There are non-profit organizations use lottery as fund-raising effort. In that each person who buys, does it as courtesy or donation to that organization.
Hard work: Bible teaches us to work hard. Paul taught a person should not eat, if s/he is not willing to work. (II Thessalonians 3:10) Negligent hand or slack hand is in contrast to hard work will make a person lazy and poor. (Proverbs 10:4; 12:24) Lazy people are advised to go to ant and learn. (Proverbs 6:6)
Honest work: Christians should always to do honest work that is legitimate, worthy of call, witness for the Lord and contribution for the society.
Do I covet and dream to become rich quick?