Words of a "LoSer" II

Our last post mentioned an online opponent named "LoSerUr2" who clearly brought an attitude with him to the poker table - an attitude challenging our faith. The chat about our Sabbath-keeping went on, as the play continued:

LoSerUr2: you go to church one day to ask for forgiveness of the sins ya do the other six days

This skeptic actually raises a very good point. Some people look at Chriatianity as simply "doing your duty" to God in a weekly worship service, then living any way they please the rest of the week. It becomes custom and tradition -- when God wants much more than that.

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." - Matthew 15:7-9

These are tough words from Jesus -- and they should be thought-provoking words, even for long-time believers. Could you and I worship Jesus in vain? If rules are followed simply because they're the "rules of the house" like at a poker tournament, the Lord says yes. Instead....

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. - II Timothy 2:22

Ask God to purify your heart to fully please and serve Him. Then pursue a lifestyle that reflects a godly example -- toward other people as well as Him. Back at the chat....

Me: I seek God's forgiveness most every day.
LoSerUr2: i forgive my my fellow poker player

Why, thank you. That's the spirit we all should have:

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

We've found poker players in live tournaments practice this far more than you might think. Not always. Not perfectly. But it happens on a regular basis. Can you say that, as you walk with God?