Jesus, Slot Machines, and Free Will

Almost all casinos have a few things in common: no windows, plenty of lights and mirrors, and a significant amount of noise. Once you walk in the doors, the establishment wants you to feel a sense of excitement, hope, and high energy. And so, they pump it at you artificially from the moment you enter to the moment you leave.

Most casinos also offer a mix of slot machines and table games (i.e. Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Poker). My personal favorite are the penny and nickel slots…low commitment, low return/cost. However, when you talk to people who enjoy visiting casinos, many will tell you that the table games are the compelling aspect of gambling. “You have more control,” is often the line that explains the preference.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but The House is banking on your self-confidence. Slot machines are regulated by state level government agencies requiring each machine to pay out a certain percentage of what is put into the machine hence setting the odds of winning fairly high (in the world of gambling odds). Table games, though leave the gamblers to their own devices, and statistics show gamblers lose far more than they ever win at any of the table games.

Humans like to believe that we’re smarter than others. We’d rather be the master of our own destiny that trust the algorithms that have been created to benefit us or listen the rules created to keep us safe or follow the teachings given to bring us peace. We do this with slot machines versus table games in casinos. We do this when our GPS tells us to go one way, but we “know a better route.” We do this when we jimmy the safety features of our cars or bikes or other toys that come with risk.

Something about human brain development tells us that we know best even when reliable sources tell us otherwise.

Turning the other cheek, tithing, choosing communal wellbeing over profits are all teaching Jesus gave us that humans have decided time and again that they know a better way. However, if you look around you I don’t know that we have witnessed God’s will on earth as it is in heaven yet. Maybe we can be intentional with our behaviors this year in a way that can bring us all closer to that prayer.

So, when the opportunity to practice free will comes up for you today, I want you to ask yourself what outcome you’re looking for. Your outcome may invite you to weigh your options of what you know to be true versus what scripture or statistics or your parents taught you. Clarifying your desired outcome may help you choose wisely; it just takes slowing down and openness to options.

This year, like a clean notebook or a new baby or your goals, is full of possibilities. May this be a year you are clear on your intentions and wise in your choices. Leave the gambling to the casinos.

Peace,
Rev Elizabeth