POWERBALL MANIA

Our nation has been thrown into a frenzy these last few days.  One item, more than any other, has been dominating the news.  I suppose I should be pleased that it is not another mass shooting, or even the presidential campaigns.  It is the Powerball Lottery that has captured much of our attention;“A billion dollar prize.”  I have tried my best to ignore it, but the reality is greed has won out.  The lottery is part of our culture, so it is here to stay.  I cannot help but reflect on the message of St. Paul to Timothy.

“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction … and pierced themselves with many pangs”

(1 Timothy 6:9–10).

My anti-lottery sentiment is pretty deeply rooted.  We were living in the Chicago area when the State of Illinois introduced the lottery as a way to boost state income.  My teammate at the time, Pastor Bill Huener, was quick to label it a “poor tax.”  He was not hesitant to talk about his objections and he openly discouraged church members from participating.  His rational was based on the passage above. 

I have only one experience at possessing a lottery ticket.  During those days it was not uncommon for gas stations to reward you for your purchase by giving you a free gift.  Sometimes it was glassware, or a box of detergent.  I purchase gas one evening and was presented with a lottery ticket as a way of saying thanks.  In this case, it was “thanks for the guilt.”   I quite frankly was relieved when the numbers did not produce a winner.  

I feel the same way about casino gambling.  I realize that many people consider it to be entertainment, but the reality is most people are gambling in hope of hitting it big.  I have only been to Las Vegas once.  I was speaking at an educator conference, and could not get out of town fast enough.  It all seemed pretty sleazy to me.  I have not been back and probably will not venture across the border to visit one of those fancy casinos in Oklahoma either. 

I have to wonder what kind of a message we are sending to the next generation.  I do not see the future in buying a lottery ticket in hopes of becoming a millionaire.  I certainly do not want my children, grandchildren or other young folks I hold dear to chase false hope.  In my mind we all need to learn to live with a lot less and give away a lot more.  I think that is what Jesus calls us to do, and he backed it up by laying down His life.  Believing in the reality of a risen Savior is much better than any lottery jackpot. 

Remember: The things of this world will either break, wear out or get stolen.  The love of Jesus is forever.  

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,

and thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in a steall.

For where your heart is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21