Justin Juozapavicius and Kristi Eaton (“Oklahoma Gambling Addicts Have Few Places To Get Help,” “The Oklahoman, May 19, 2014, p.5A) call our attention to a generally silent, subtle sin that surrounds our current social scene—Gambling! While the news media boldly advertises the places, and gifted, hired promoters, in TV’s colorful, dazzling display, seek your presence at some 120 casinos in Oklahoma, those people never label gambling a sin! The project it as a joyous journey into a pleasure potential for profit!
Both the deceptive advertising and the greedy gabbing for gain are built a sinful foundation of financial folly! It is a subtle sin because: 1. It suggests you put down a little money to get much (which you don’t); 2. It is promoted as a benefactor to good education, when in reality it creates more welfare than wealth (for the gullible public); 3. It claims to operate from a moral platform (good for the State), while, by its fruits (cf. Matt. 7:2), it corrupts those who contribute to it. The above report supplies the facts that 60,000 to 100,000 problem gamblers are now affected by this $3 billion business in Oklahoma. These are gambling addicts! Even if one goes by the lower estimate (60,000), that shouts out the number of addicts this business is taking down in their moral and financial lifestyle. How many other family members are adversely affected by these 60,000??? Only the Lord knows how many others have journeyed to a casino (or purchased a lottery ticket), spending funds to “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (cf. Heb. 11:25)!
When you move from a state to a national viewing, this report informs us there were between 6-8 million problem gamblers in the US in 2012. That is big enough that it should soberingly get our attention!
It is called silent sin because it is a growing problem that is being given very little attention. Of the 60,000+ addicts in Oklahoma in 2013, the report stated that only 345 were actually treated “for problem gambling.” Think about it! If 60,000 were detected with cancer, and only 345 were given treatment, what would be the community and state response for such raw and rank negligence?? Yet, gambling addiction silently spreads with minimal care and concern in community after community. It almost reminds one of the corrupt time in Jeremiah’s day, when he wrote: “An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land… and My people love it so” (Jer. 5:30f).
Paul’s words seem most appropriate: “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as the unwise, but as the wise; making the most of your time, because the days are evil… understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:14-27). The Lord’s will states, “You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil” (Ex. 23:2).