Taking Chances (Risks); Squandering God’s Money 7-19-25

On Wednesday, July 16^th, a friend, and I took the train to see the Air Show in Atlantic City. It was  awesome to see how the planes maneuvered, over us and the ocean, what a sight to see. The way some of the planes were moving and making designs in the sky were incredible. One plane had a lady standing on top of it, and several times the plane flipped completely over; I felt like my heart was going to drop!

Many people think of Atlantic City being famous for the casinos, but there are many things to do there; the beach, all types of shops, restaurants, Convention Center, the Tanger outlets. Many years ago, I spent a few months in the city and we would go bicycle riding on the boardwalk early in the morning. It is a fun place to  go.

After the airshow, we were blessed with a free lunch and two small bottles of water each, praise the Lord!

Even though the Bible say, shun the appearance of evil, I want to share with you how that really could have been an appearance of evil to someone. This is not a double standard, but it is to show those who gamble how some people feel about Christians gambling and it diminishes our light.

Now to what the Word of God says about gambling. You won’t see the word gamble in the Bible but risking and taking chances with God’s money is not being a good steward over what He has given us to manage, and we do not have a right to do what we want to do with God’s money.

Gamblers take chances and risk whatever or however much they choose to spend in hopes of a quick gain. They squander God’s money, by taking chances to get more.

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house (Proverbs 15:27). They are not trusting Jehovah Jireh who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).  

Squandering refers to wasting resources, time, or opportunities carelessly. They squander God’s money by risking to get more. The bottom line is this, gambling is motivated by the love for money; to get rich quick; and being materialistic. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

The people who gamble have a love for money and that is evidence of being greedy.  

Let your conduct be without covetousness [strong desire for what someone else has or material possessions]; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”(Hebrews 13:5). Since God will never leave or forsake, He takes care of us (Philippians 4:19).

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase (Proverbs 13:11). Why does the Bible say wealth gained by dishonest? Because people are taking something that doesn’t belong to them, which is stealing.

I just received this a few minutes ago. If you don’t believe gambling is stealing, read this: God said to the nation of Israel (His people), you have robbed Me in tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:9). The same principle is for God’s people today. How do you think I’m so blessed? Because I pay my tithes and give offerings.

Most gambling is motivated by a love of money. People place bets with the hope of quick and easy riches. Now that you know the truth about gambling, let this be a lesson learned. And since you know better you are responsible for doing better.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org