$640 million – the largest jackpot in history!  I have a theory that the rise in lottery jackpots is simply a sign of our morality in decline.  Most do not find issue with the lottery – after all, who ever got hurt by spending a buck or two here and there, right?  While some might take issue with the  system of the lottery itself, I’d like to focus on the issue at the core: greed (covetousness).  I’d like to challenge your thinking with these words of God:

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished : but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.   – Solomon

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.  – Solomon

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after , they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  – Apostle Paul  (Is the love of money really the root of all evil?)

Beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  – Jesus

Ye cannot serve God and mammon [possessions].  – Jesus

It is more blessed to give than to receive.  – Jesus

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  – John the Beloved

*When my kids ask me why I don’t gamble or play the lottery, this is my answer!