Be Fruitful and Multiply

A recent post mentioned the false gods some people can create. The game of poker can bring some of them out -- such as money (especially if you're playing a cash game), success or even trees.

We noted from Galatians 6 the importance of developing the spiritual things, as opposed to things which are sinful. What kinds of things are we talking about? The apostle Paul answers that question one chapter back....

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Is it really possible to display these traits at a poker table? After thinking it over, we'd say yes. We've seen other players do it. And we've tried to do it.

Consider how some of these traits work together. If you control your human self's temptation to bet at a lot of pots, you'll automatically develop a patience approach to the game. You'll have peace and comfort in knowing some of the impulsive bets you might have made would have been big losers. And when a big hand comes, you'll have the joy of maximizing your chip stack!

The church group we attend is in a season of self-examination. We'd invite you to do the same thing. Consider the fruit Paul mentioned, and whether they're growing in your life -- including the time you spend in poker.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you -- unless of course, you fail the test? - II Corinthians 13:5