Sunday Rewind: Know It, Show It

We helped a woman at the Thursday night poker tournament with a Bible verse about rich men. Then she admitted how she'd already spent the "riches" she earned from finishing first -- on alcohol.

The Bible passage quoted Jesus as saying it's hard for a rich man to enter God's Kingdom. But we intentionally stopped before giving the rest of the story....

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -- Matthew 19:25-26

How can a wealthy person enter God's Kingdom? For that matter, how can you? Jesus offers the answer moments before, while talking with a man commonly called a "rich young ruler."

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. -- 19:21-22

The young ruler told Jesus he was keeping the commandments (verses 17-20), but the Lord called for more. He called on the ruler to give to others -- a way based on love instead of hoarding, or give instead of get.

Some wealthy people in our society attempt to practice this; the Gates Foundation comes to mind. Even some professional poker players do that, by playing in tournaments for charity.

But here's the thing which might baffle some people. The woman was complaining about an opponent being greedy with the prize money -- when the object of a poker tournament is to "greedily" collect everyone else's chips!

We think the key is in drawing boundary lines -- knowing when the game ends and the reality of living begins. Professional athletes have to draw that line, yet we sometimes hear of players blurring the lines and getting in trouble with the law. Even poker players need to be careful.

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. -- James 1:14-15

There's one more aspect of the woman's story we have yet to address. It also involves boundary lines. Stay tuned for another post about that.