An ‘Odds-on Racing Certainty’

Ask most Scottish evangelical Christians for their opinion on the many social, economic, political or cultural matters which are part and parcel of our national life and you will be lucky to get a coherent response. At best this group is extremely circumspect about expressing a clear opinion about anything.

There are however some exceptions to this general observation. Evangelicals do get exercised about matters like same sex marriage. However, lack of credibility with ordinary people after decades of a ‘head in the sand’ attitude to a  changing society, has left evangelical Christians floundering at the margins, comprehensively and repeatedly out thought and out fought by the ‘media savvy’ secularists.

Gambling is yet another issue which seems to get under the skin of evangelical Christians from time to time. Most regard this activity as sinful and any evangelical groups involved in social action will routinely refuse to accept funding for their ‘good cause’ from the National Lottery because, as they see it, it’s gambling!

I used to believe that gambling was a sin ……..not anymore!

Indeed frowning on those who make a donation to a good cause by buying a raffle ticket at a fete, gala or bring and buy sale in aid of many good causes merely serves to further disconnect evangelicals from the very people to whom they have been commissioned by Jesus to bring the good news of the Gospel.

Such hypocrisy and pettiness in the name of ‘Christian political correctness’ dishonours the name of the Living God.

As a born again Christian, I know that the timeless values of the Bible trumps the shifting sand of cultural norms. I was therefore not surprised to find that the Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. 

According to the ’Got Questions’ website: “While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention events of “luck” or “chance.” As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

I rest my case!!

So the next time Christian friends, you find yourself in a National Lottery outlet, get your wallet out and buy a ticket. Consider the money spent as a modest form of tax.

Most importantly, remember that you are not condemned in scripture for such an act. Indeed, should you be blessed with a win, use your new found wealth, which has come from the Living God, to help as many people as possible who you know to be in need.

It’s an ‘odds-on racing certainty’ that God will bless all who have such a mind-set!