Problem Gambling in Your Community

Do you know anyone who has a problem with gambling?

One time I spoke with a man who shared his story with me.  He’d had a major financial setback a few years before.  Then he started going to the casino to play poker, which he saw as an opportunity to get his financial loss back.  The problem was that he lost more than he ever made at poker.  He kept going back to the casino, and he continued to lose money.  He continued to believe that poker was the way to get his money back, but he continued to lose money.

During this time, he lied to his wife about how he was spending his time.  He also lied about what was happening to their money.  He was too ashamed to tell her the truth.  He took out a second mortgage and went through their retirement savings.  As his losses mounted, so did his slide into depression.  He was beginning to wonder if he’d ever get his money back.  Then he thought of a way to escape his problems; he would commit suicide.  He came up with a plan. 

That was when he realized that he needed to get help.  He confessed his gambling problem and lies to his wife, and they found help for his gambling.  He had his name put on a list of people who were voluntarily banned from casinos  He started attending a 12-step group.  He was making progress in his recovery, but acknowledged that he still felt tempted to go to the casino at times.  Their marriage was improving.  Life was looking up.

There are 118 casinos in Oklahoma, which is the third most in the U.S.  Would you recognize the signs if someone you love has a gambling problem?  Did you know that gambling affects a person’s brain like drugs?  The good news is that help is available.  Here is a list of signs and symptoms of problem gambling http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/dxc-20258394 

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, google “Oklahoma problem gambling,” and you will find more resources.  If you live in another state or country, simply type in your state or country with problem gambling.

Use Your Freedom for Christ's Kingdom.

Our national interest in freedom has been renewed since 9-11.  There have many words about appreciation for our freedom and the need to protect our freedoms.  We have a renewed reverence for those who sacrificed for our freedom.  Freedom comes up in discussions about restricting individuals' behaviors.

I knew a guy who was imprisoned for 5 years.  After his release, he shared that he would never forget the sense of being watched and guarded, and that he had a new appreciation for his freedom.

Unfortunately, we’ve often abused our freedom and suffered the consequences.  Too many deserts and junk foods have added to some of our waistlines.  As youth and young adults, many of us abused our freedom by doing foolish things, and we learned from the school of hard knocks.

Galatians 5:1 says, ”It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.”  In Gal. 5:13, Paul cautions us, ”You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

I Peter 2:16-18 warns and instructs us, ”Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone; love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

I have come to see our spiritual and legal freedoms as a treasure to be guarded and protected.  It is also to be used to serve the Lord and others.  When you watch the 4^th of July fireworks, remember the sacrifices of those who gave of themselves for our freedom.  Pray for our national leaders.  Obey the instructions of Galatians and I Peter quoted above:  Live as servants of God, and use your freedom to serve others in love.  Use your freedom for Christ’s Kingdom.

In the Master’s service.