Pastor, will you accept lotto money?

I came across this MSN video today about Pastor James Ryan of Lighthouse Missions who is receiving some flack for turning down $100,000 from church members who won $3,000,000 in the lottery. I remembered John Piper’s article on the issue of the lottery as I watched the video. In his article “Picture Jesus Playing the Lottery” he provides three reasons why one should not play.

1) The Bible teaches us not to want to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
2) It is wrong to wager with a trust fund.
3) It is wrong to endorse and support an institution that is bound to confirm people in their weaknesses and cultivate in others the greed that only lies latent without this outlet.

In another article (Don't Play the Lottery for Me!) he writes, “Don't play the Lottery for Bethlehem Baptist Church. We will not, I pray, salve your conscience by taking one dime of your plunder, or supporting even the thought of your spiritual suicide. Let the widow give her penny and the laborer his wage.” I would encourage you to visit both articles in their full context.

What do you think?