Question for Christians only, preferably a preacher if possible.?

Question

I work in a casino. I deal blackjack and other games. I have been a christian since I was 7 about 25 years ago. I've been working in this business for 10 years. This is a very hostile working environment (especially for Christians). We see all kinds of sinful acts. My question's are: Is gambling a sin? Do you think God would rather me not work there? Do you think God has a purpose for me working there (like maybe witnessing to people)?

I really dislike the job and want to "quit" but I don't know if I would be letting God down or making him proud by quitting. I have prayed on this subject many times. I'm also scared about leaving a good paying job without having any other degrees. I would most definetly be taking a cut in pay if I were to quit, but I know if it's the right thing to do, God will provide.

Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

I don't see that the Bible teaches that all gambling across the board is sin. I do see that for many people gambling is a terrific temptation that leads to sin. Should you work there? I can't answer for sure, but I'm reminded of Lot's poor choice to live too near the sinful people of Sodom. The Bible says that his "righteous soul was vexed." He made the wrong choice and he suffered because of it.

In an important decision like this I think it's imperative that you get the counsel of your church. If you're not actively participating in a church, and if the reason why you're not is because of your work schedule -- then you've already got your answer.

Answer 2

You can answer this yourself.

1. This is a very hostile working environment (especially for Christians).
2. We see all kinds of sinful acts.
3. I really dislike the job and want to "quit"
4. I'm also scared about leaving a good paying job without having any other degrees.
5. I would most definitely be taking a cut in pay if I were to quit, but I know if it's the right thing to do, God will provide.

Is this job causing you to spiritually grow or stumble?
Is this job a blessing or torment?
Is this a job that elevates your personal relationship with Christ to the fullest?
Is this a job that is causing you heartaches?
Is this a job that doing God's witnessing is in conflict with your job? Would it have customers quit coming there? Would your boss fire you?

Jobs are Blessings. Not a place of torment. God would have you looking forward and excited about your work for Him and in Him.

This is something YOU have to decide. Only YOU know your spitirual level and degree of faith. Your job is 1 of 3 things.
1. a Stepping stone.
2. Stumbling block.
3. Nothing at all.

Good Luck. There is no unanswered prayer. The answer is, yes or no. What is right for you, may not be right for another Christian. It's called "personal growth, personal conviction. All Christians have different levels. Personal convictions can not apply to Christians as a group. That is why it is "personal". Nobody can tell you if it is right or wrong. They don't know HOW it is effecting your personal spiritual growth, or if it does at all.

Good Luck.
.

Answer 3

Gambling is not a Sin. If you want to quit, do it because you want to not because you think the job is a sin. Many things you may be witnessing probably are sinfull but pray every day and if you are not happy working there than may be you may need to be else where but if you need the money then you may have to hold on till you can find something to replace the that income. Maybe some night schooling might help or moving else where to start over.

Either way, I hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 4

I find nothing in the Bible that says that gambling is a sin. Anything can be taken to the extreme and become a sin, but some things the Bible is clear on and some things we have to rely on the leadership of the Holy Spirit for. I have to agree with the other answer. No one can tell you how the Holy Spirit is leading you. Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of "eating and drinking with publicans and sinners," in other words, being in environments that were sinful. I'd say a lot of it depends on where you are spiritually. Are you strong enough do be an influence on an ungodly atmosphere, or will that environment be an influence on you? Only you and the Holy Spirit can answer that. No one else could, or more importantly, should. We, as Christians spend way too much time trying to do the Holy Spirit's job of convicting others of sin. Ask Him. He knows better than anyone else.

Answer 5

Well its not so much as oh its a sin, as it could be an addiction for some, which in turn tears apart families and lives. I don't think God wants that for people. And to say will I just gamble for fun. Now where in the bible does it say that I should gamble to for my provsion. And also it does not help people to be good stewards with what God has given them. If I want God's blessings I do not have to play the lotto. He will make me rich, and being rich is not always in money. There are other ways to be rich.
If you are a Christian I want to encourage you to . You can not let God down. He does not expect us to be perfect, Because he knows it takes a life time, But I would encourage you to continue to seek him, tell him you don't like your job, Ask him to put you on the path to a career that he has for you.
I could see if you went to the casino to witness to people about how gambling is not good for them, But to work in that field, I don't think you are witnessing to them. Please do not let that comment bring concemnation to you in any way.
You are on the right track, I would pray for the peole who are there gambling, that God would show them a better way. And now go look for another job, in faith believing you have recieved what you have asked God for in prayer. I sure hope that makes sense. God does love you, and if you are obedient to him, he will bless you.

Answer 6

I knew a Pentecostal man who had an addiction to gambling (before he converted to the church). He said that when he got saved, God cured the need for gambling, and he never again gambled, bought lottery tickets, placed silly bets, etc.

In the purest sense, a Christian will tell you that gambling is a sin because it does not glorify God and that it enslaves the sinner. They will say that if you are part of that mechanism, then you are not living for God.

But you know how there are loopholes for everything. Do you think it will really make a difference in the long run if you quit your job? People will do other things to satifsy their entertainment needs and interests, so you can't go around living in a bubble. It all depends on how much brain-washing you believe in and how you let it affect your life.

Answer 7

If you don't like the job, just quit it. I can tell you if the management catches you witnessing when you are supposed to be dealing you are gonna get fired (as you should)

You sound pretty certain this isn't the job for you, so find another one. Maybe the roulette wheel.

If you will read the bible instead of just showing it off to your fellow christians, you will note that casting lots was a part of everyday life when those stories were written, I don't remember seeing gambling listed in the commandments anywhere.

If the bills are paid and the babies are fed, where is the harm?? Stop being so judgmental, that is a sin.

Your atheist friend.

Answer 8

Let me try to give you an answer. As St. Paul said to the Romans, "There is no thing 'unclean' of itself. But if a man esteems a thing to be unclean, then to him it is unclean."

I honestly don't think of gambling as being an unclean thing. The reason some religious people esteem it to be unclean is because some people abuse it and put their families' financial future at risk. This is the same reason some religious people have a case against alcohol.

But I have to stand with St. Paul. There's nothing unclean about drinking or gambling. What's at issue is the abuse -- the excess -- if you will. And if abuse to excess is the real issue (and I believe it is) then anything can be sinful (food, sex, money) anything at all. So in that sense, being a blackjack dealer is no different to being a waiter in a restaurant. Both food and blackjack can be abused. But is there anything wrong in offering food or legal entertainment? I don't think so.

I call myself a Christian, but I also enjoy going to Vegas and consider it a great treat. If anyone wishes to take issue with that, then I quote the old saying "honi soit qui mal y pense." (evil to him whom evil thinks).

That's what I think. But here's the deal -- it's not what I think that counts -- it's what you think. Objectively, I see nothing wrong; but if subjectively you do, you have to act on that and do what you think best.

Hope this answer helps.

Answer 9

It sounds like your heart has already given you the answers you're looking for. My guess is that God would want you to do what promotes the best harmony in your life. There will always be another job. It might look tough to leap from the security of good pay, but when it comes down to quality of life, and how you feel, it might be time to let go. I'll pray for you, hope you find some peace with your struggle.

Answer 10

Gambling is temping God in short!
But I understand that as a dealer, your not to Gamble or at least not where you work!

As far a work, don't just quit!
Look for work while your working (in your off hours)
[old saying, your worst day of working is better than your best day of job hunting]

It is always best to find a job you can enjoy or find a hobby that can pay you money.

A lot of help I am huh! Then you may be there for just one person for one day yet to come.

May you and God in the name of Christ work it out.