Kentucky Wildcats basketball

 Yes, I know, I'm one to talk about craziness surrounding college basketball. Being a lifelong fan of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, I've lost more sleep over hoops than I'd like to admit. But there's one thing I'm happy to say I've never lost when it comes to the NCAA tournament: money. Millions of others, however, can't make that claim.

 

According to a March 18, 2013 Associated Press article by Jim Litke, more than 100 million people worldwide will bet $12 billion on the NCAA Basketball Championship which begins today in various locations. Tens of thousands of brackets have been filled out, meaning people everywhere are trying to predict who will eventually win the title of national champion. I've filled out a few of those in my lifetime. But I've never bet money that my guesses are right.

 

I consider this thing called "sports gambling" madness for a number of reasons. One reason is discussed in an article today on Forbes.com, in which Marc Edelman notes at least three federal statutes that are broken by seemingly innocent office pools. No one seems to mind; we never read of anyone being arrested for putting money into their office betting pool for the NCAA tournament. But the principle still looms: those participating are breaking the law. Doesn't that matter?

 

There's another reason why sports gambling is a bad bet: Most people (the vast majority) might as well open their windows and cast their currency to the wind. (Perhaps some of the money might actually blow back in.) When you gamble, you're almost certain to never see that money again. Ever. (Why do you suppose casinos typically have the largest, flashiest buildings on the planet? Where does that money come from?)

 

My biggest reason for abstaining from gambling of any kind is based on what God teaches me in his word. The idea we noted in the paragraph above is an example: How can I be a good steward of my resources if I recklessly toss them away? The wisdom of Proverbs 3:9 points me in another direction: "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase." My ability to do good for others (see Ephesians 4:28) diminishes as I channel my funds to Las Vegas.

 

Consider also what Jesus counseled in Luke 6:31: "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." When I wager money on the outcome of a ball game (or for any other reason), I cannot hope to win and hope that others win, too. My hopes for financial gain rest upon the prospect of other people losing their money. I may not think in those terms, but that's why there is a chance I might win big - if others lose big. How can I harmonize the Golden Rule with betting?

 

Too many people look to a lucky bracket (or a lottery ticket) for their hope of a secure future. Again, God's wisdom seeks to wake us up from such delusions. Consider: "Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven" (Proverbs 23:5). How much better to make treasures in heaven our aim (Matthew 6:19-21)!

 

Let me share with you a guaranteed way to live an abundant life: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain.. ... And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:6,8). As Jesus once noted, "Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25).

 

Timothy D. Hall.