Is it okay for a Christian to receive a $1 million prize from a random draw?

Question

For instance, if you were automatically put in a draw because you signed up for a membership. Is it okay to receive this prize money? Also, how is this different from gambling?

Answer 1

It is ok as long as you give back to the lord though the church, through a non profit charity, or help others in need. It is different from gambling because you did not put money on the line to have the chance to get more money.

Answer 2

If you signed up for the raffle with the intention of giving the money to the church (or bingo parlor, or whatever), that's not gambling. That's charity.

Gambling is attempting to "beat the odds" and come out ahead. It's dangerous and should be discouraged (and thus immoral), because it ruins lives and livehoods, and tends to create false hope in dire situations, where they can do the most damage. The less money a compulsive gambler has, the higher their hopes that they can "get back up" with just one win.

Buying a raffle ticket, on the other hand, is usually coupled with the understanding that you're not going to win anything, but that the money you're giving is going to a good cause. That's charity.

If you're feeling guilty, though, you can always donate some of the prize money.

Answer 3

Yes it is okay to receive money in a random draw and the gambling some think is okay as long as you are not depriving yourself needs in gambling your assets away. I think if one looks at gambling like playing a game rather that being addicted or lustful it would be okay. The bible tells us that gambling vapors into thin air so therefore one must be careful when dealing with gambling to their own discretion. Nothing these days are free and you need money to play games or enjoy life. If your heart is not condemning you then it okay but pray about this and not take my decision, the bible clearly does not say that it is a sin.

Answer 4

that would be ok. The difference is in gambling you are spending money in hope of getting greater value for nothing. Example like $1 lotto ticket for $10 million dollars, you are hoping for greater gain. A random drawing for a membership you joined would mean you didn't do something for greater personal gain in mind. Thats how i understand it anyway.

Answer 5

Of course. Being a Christian does not relegate one to poverty. Even the New Testament talks about masters and servants. Random draws are different from gambling in that they give the profits to designated charities. So, even if you don't win anything, you have donated to a worthy cause.

Answer 6

To gamble is to risk something you already have in hopes of gaining more. In the situation you've described, nothing is being risked and therefore is not a gamble. You could gladly accept the prize and count it as a blessing from God. The only time this could become sinful is if you forget to honor God in His gift to you.

Answer 7

I think it's okay to use if you don't use it for sin, and it differs from gambling b/c if you wanted to be a member (not for the money), if it's free, that's not gambling.

Also, you should give some of that money.

Answer 8

Sure it is ok. The government will take 40% or so, and you give some to the chruch.

Who said gambling was wrong?

Answer 9

Some people have a problem with things like this, but I don't think there's anything is wrong with winning money.
After all, it would be better for riches to be in the hands of the Godly then in the hands of evil people. We can do alot of good with it.

Answer 10

You're assuming that every Christian is perfect and never gambles. You sure do like to poke at Christians, dont you?