We mentioned an online meeting with a player named "IICor5_17". It didn't last long and we didn't confirm it, but we suspect the name came from this Bible verse....
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - II Corinthians 5:17
What does it mean to be a "new creation"? It has nothing to do with reincarnation, where souls are thought to have multiple human identities over thousands of years. Let's let the apostle Paul explain what he means....
For Christ's love compels us.... And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. - II Corinthians 5:14-15
It's easy for a poker player to live for himself or herself. Unless you're part of a team in a local league format, it's a very individualized game. But in a spiritual sense, believers should live for Jesus Christ.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - II Corinthians 5:21
How do we become "the righteousness of God"? The book of Proverbs offers some hints....
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. - Proverbs 14:34
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him that follows after righteousness. - Proverbs 15:9 (KJV)
So righteousness means avoiding sinful, wicked actions. And it also means....
And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ -- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. - Philippians 3:9
Merely avoiding tobacco, booze and dirty talk at the poker table isn't enough. We need faith in Jesus Christ. Is your faith in yourself -- or Someone greater?
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