Admittedly, some people don't think very highly of going to church. Take this discussion we had during an online game earlier this week:
Me: Happy Sunday to all.
IwillLose: you to
imca25: to you as well
VeryMetal: hello
IwillLose: we need to be in church insteed of poker
VeryMetal: Im an Atheist so I will say no on that
stackdaily: who goes to church nowadays
Me: It's OK - I was in church yesterday.
VeryMetal: plus it is 1pm
imca25: we are in poker nascar church
imca25: poker starting and nascar starting
Me: The right church group can be a good thing.
Poker seldom is played as a "team sport" (unless you're part of a local league, like our city has). So independent-minded players might not see any need for a "support group" like a church congregation can offer. But consider these words....
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
And these words were written long before Jesus first mentioned the word "church" in the New Testament gospels! Even small church groups can be beneficial if they're built around the love of God and practicing the principles of the Bible.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25
Perhaps your poker buddies provide moments of encouragement and friendship. If they do, good. But even better is the support which can come from people with a spiritual motive, instead of a selfish one -- building on God's compassion, which is greater than anything humans can produce.
(P.S. Yes, we do go to a church service on Saturdays. If you'd like to know why, do a search of this blog for "Sabbath.")
No comments:
Post a Comment