Lottery buzz vs. contentment

General Faith
1

Mega jackpots everywhere. Do you ever buy a ticket? Why/why not?
How do you practice contentment when money is tight?

2

By looking hard at the odds. Do you understand the odds?

Recognising we are to work so we have the means to share with those in need.

Look hard at ones expenditure.

3

Love this—simple and grounded. :raising_hands:

  • Re: odds — totally. They’re astronomically low, which helps me skip the “what if” spiral.

  • Re: work & sharing — that reminds me of Ephesians 4:28. Do you have a favorite verse that keeps you steady on this?

  • Re: expenses — what’s one practical habit that’s helped you most (cash envelopes, a budgeting app, “no-spend” days, meal planning)? I’m trying to collect 2–3 doable ideas.

4

When money is tight one has to look at everything.

Turn off all stand by devices, turn the thermostat down and put a jumper on, where possibly walk rather than drive.

Cancel every subscriptuion you don’t actually use, can you get a cheaper phone contract ditto internet.

Meals.

Plan a weeks worth, check what you have in stock and buy what you need for the week.

Sites like weight watchers often have ideas for a weeks menu and as they are aimmed at lossing weight mean one isn’t over eating. Otherwise plan on eating lots of vegitables, a small amount of meat with minimal gravy/sauce

5

I don’t for several reasons. One secular reason is….I don’t like wasting my money. I would rather invest in real estate, mutual funds, or stock… where you have a chance. Is it sinful to purchase a lottery ticket…. maybe or maybe not..If you just spend a few bucks and can afford it, I don’t see a problem. If you are spending rent money on lottery tickets and are unable to support your family over lottery ticket purchases, that’s a problem. It can be a sin if greed and faith in lotteries are your motivation. If just playing for a little entertainment, not so much. I’ll probably be lambasted over this post, but so be it.

6

For a thoughtful take rooted in Scripture, watch this video: Should a Christian Play the Lottery?

7

I lost respect for Charles Standley. He preached against divorced pastors until he got a divorce. He didn’t resign or step down. I think that was a little hypocritical. I don’t expect a pastor to be perfect and without sin, but I do expect him to live by what he preaches.

1 Like
8

I just posted a reply that would go well here also. If interested, go here, as I did not want to post it twice.