copyright 2000 - 2003                                                                      RETURN TO HOME PAGE


Disclaimer:  The material represents our best effort to be helpful within the constraints of this format.
Other information and additional counseling should be considered before crucial decisions are made.






THE COUNSELING CENTER     P.O. BOX 429     WHITE, GEORGIA 30184
          Gambling is built on the desire to get rich quickly. It offers a beguiling shortcut to easy
street minus the lifetime of work normally required.

          The enticement to get something for nothing is hard to resist for some. In today's materialistic world, a person is more and more measured by what he has. But according to the Bible, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his posessions." (Luke 12:15)

IS GAMBLING WRONG? As America abandons it's foundation of moral absolutes, it seems that the craving for material wealth is filling the void like a new secular religion.

          Gambling is the perfect vehicle to fuel our greed. The Bible says, "People who strain to get rich fall into a trap that leads to ruin." (1 Timothy 6:9) The wisest man to ever live, Solomon, observed, "A greedy man brings trouble to his family..." He added, "Don't wear yourselves out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." (Proverbs 23:4-5)

          Gambling destroys lives, families, and diminishes the morality of a nation. That's why it has always been illegal. The fact that governments now sponsor gambling for "good purposes" only masks its addictive nature.

          The Bible definition of "sin" is disobedience of God's laws, rebellion against His authority and a desire to live independent of Him. The Lord's prayer teaches dependence on God for daily bread. Gambling trusts "luck" instead.

          Gambling never betters one's character. For example, it entices one to gain money at the expense of others. Sometimes the problem gambler even loses compassion and concern for those closest to him. It also can lead a person into crime as they try to offset growing losses.

          Gambling further creates false hope and then disappoints. It's not unusual for a large lottery jackpot to have odds of 15 to 20 million to 1. Yet people throw their money away by the millions.

          Finally, gambling simply conflicts with Bible principles concerning relationships. It is
anti-family. It causes one to destroy the very thing that God wants nurtured. One thing is clear, gambling in its many forms is tearing away at what's left of America's moral fabric.

NOW TO SOME ADVICE

          Advising a chronic gambler is not that complex. He already knows what he or she should do -- simply stop mmediately and begin to repay his gambling debts. But there are some steps along the way that can make a difficult retreat from gambling possible.

ADVICE: The first step is to admit to God and to those you have hurt that what you are doing is wrong and get forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

ADVICE: Be honest. Face the possibility that you cannot break your addiction without God's help. (Romans 7:14)

ADVICE: Establish a personal relationship with God as outlined in "The Meaning of Life." When that relationship is established you have a great weapon at your disposal -- prayer! Pray, ask God for help. Ask Him to send friends who will be strong and honest wth you -- someone to whom you can talk and be accountable. Talk to that person or persons everday at established times.

ADVICE: A good source for a support group is a local, Bible believing church. It is a good place to find caring friends. And it is the best place for a new believer to be nurtured toward maturity.

ADVICE: If your current friends are contributing to your problem get rid of them. They are not your friends at all. (See 1 Corinthians 15:33)

ADVICE: Avoid gambing in any form! No pitching pennies, no raffle tickets, no lottery playing, no betting -- nothing! Prove to those you have hurt that you are, indeed, changing.

YOU HAVE HOMEWORK
Note to reader:  Before you begin, click on "The Meaning of Life" and read that first. It has foundational material that will help you understand this page better. It only takes a few extra minutes to do this. When you finish, come back here and continue. It's important that you do it our way.
     ADVICE for gambling problems
                                                                                                                             by Duron Davis
Note to reader:  Before you begin, click on "The Meaning of Life" and read that first. It has foundational material that will help you understand this page better. It only takes a few extra minutes to do this. When you finish, come back here and continue. It's important that you do it our way.
INTRODUCTION: You may have selected this topic because of a growing concern that you are too involved in gambling. Admitting your problem is an important first step toward solving your problem.

          Let's look first at some information that will add to our knowledge on this subject and then we'll offer some advice for your consideration.
A SHORT STORY

          Not long ago an acquaintance of mine won $1000 in the Virginia Lottery. It seemed to set him on fire. He bought additional tickets with the entire amount and won even more. Within two years though, he had destroyed his marriage, lost his home and was being pursued over a gambling debt. This is not an isolated example.
          Gambling is built on the desire to get rich quickly. It offers a beguiling shortcut to easy
street minus the lifetime of work normally required.

          The enticement to get something for nothing is hard to resist for some. In today's materialistic world, a person is more and more measured by what he has. But according to the Bible, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his posessions." (Luke 12:15)

IS GAMBLING WRONG? As America abandons it's foundation of moral absolutes, it seems that the craving for material wealth is filling the void like a new secular religion.

          Gambling is the perfect vehicle to fuel our greed. The Bible says, "People who strain to get rich fall into a trap that leads to ruin." (1 Timothy 6:9) The wisest man to ever live, Solomon, observed, "A greedy man brings trouble to his family..." He added, "Don't wear yourselves out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." (Proverbs 23:4-5)

          Gambling destroys lives, families, and diminishes the morality of a nation. That's why it has always been illegal. The fact that governments now sponsor gambling for "good purposes" only masks its addictive nature.

          The Bible definition of "sin" is disobedience of God's laws, rebellion against His authority and a desire to live independent of Him. The Lord's prayer teaches dependence on God for daily bread. Gambling trusts "luck" instead.

          Gambling never betters one's character. For example, it entices one to gain money at the expense of others. Sometimes the problem gambler even loses compassion and concern for those closest to him. It also can lead a person into crime as they try to offset growing losses.

          Gambling further creates false hope and then disappoints. It's not unusual for a large lottery jackpot to have odds of 15 to 20 million to 1. Yet people throw their money away by the millions.

          Finally, gambling simply conflicts with Bible principles concerning relationships. It is
anti-family. It causes one to destroy the very thing that God wants nurtured. One thing is clear, gambling in its many forms is tearing away at what's left of America's moral fabric.

NOW TO SOME ADVICE

          Advising a chronic gambler is not that complex. He already knows what he or she should do -- simply stop mmediately and begin to repay his gambling debts. But there are some steps along the way that can make a difficult retreat from gambling possible.

ADVICE: The first step is to admit to God and to those you have hurt that what you are doing is wrong and get forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

ADVICE: Be honest. Face the possibility that you cannot break your addiction without God's help. (Romans 7:14)

ADVICE: Establish a personal relationship with God as outlined in "The Meaning of Life." When that relationship is established you have a great weapon at your disposal -- prayer! Pray, ask God for help. Ask Him to send friends who will be strong and honest wth you -- someone to whom you can talk and be accountable. Talk to that person or persons everday at established times.

ADVICE: A good source for a support group is a local, Bible believing church. It is a good place to find caring friends. And it is the best place for a new believer to be nurtured toward maturity.

ADVICE: If your current friends are contributing to your problem get rid of them. They are not your friends at all. (See 1 Corinthians 15:33)

ADVICE: Avoid gambing in any form! No pitching pennies, no raffle tickets, no lottery playing, no betting -- nothing! Prove to those you have hurt that you are, indeed, changing.

YOU HAVE HOMEWORK
Read a couple of the following Bible verses each day. They will comfort and instruct you during this time in your life.

Exodus 20:15 & 17              I Corinthians 6:9-10             2 Kings 5: 1-27
Philippians 4:8                       Colossians 3:16                    Ephesians 4:17-32
Romans 12:1                         Ephesians 6:10-20              1 Peter 5:6-7
James 5:1-6                              2 Peter 2:19                         Acts 5:1-11
2 Peter 3:11-12                    Hebrews 13:5                        1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Corinthians 6:12
copyright 2000 - 2003                                                                      RETURN TO HOME PAGE


Disclaimer:  The material represents our best effort to be helpful within the constraints of this format.
Other information and additional counseling should be considered before crucial decisions are made.






THE COUNSELING CENTER     P.O. BOX 429     WHITE, GEORGIA 30184