A thought came to mind as I listened to Pres. D. Todd Christofferson speak on the topic of gambling in the Saturday morning session of the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 3, 2026. What came to mind as he spoke was that gambling is an enemy of preparedness and self-reliance.
Here are some truths he taught that day:
“Sports betting…. easily becomes consuming and often compulsive. It robs time from studies, relationships, and career development. It crowds out things of value and in their place fosters greed.”
“…. continuous, mobile access can transform occasional entertainment into repeated behavior that displaces saving, increases debt, and creates far-reaching family and social costs.”
“…. our resources are stewardships, and the question is not merely whether a purchase is legal but whether it builds anything—in us, in our families, or in those around us. In the end, gambling produces nothing of value and enriches only its purveyors.”
“God has granted life and agency to each of us, and each of us is accountable to Him for how we live that life. A key part of a life well-lived is contributing to the well-being of others. It is being productive in worthy endeavors. It is being and doing better without others doing worse. It comes by supporting and rewarding work rather than idle pursuits. Work leads to prosperous, just, and equitable societies. Gambling, even for fun, leads in the opposite direction.”
“Having begun these remarks quoting the prophet Jacob, I end with another of his statements: ‘O be wise; what can I say more?’”
Gambling robs from education and career development. It displaces saving and increases debt. It builds nothing of long-term value. It harms relationships. It rewards idleness and discourages productivity. Gambling is the enemy of self-reliance.
You may not be gambling but do you have any other habits, big or small, that make it difficult to be more prepared and self-reliant? It’s worth pondering. “O be wise; what can I say more?”
