Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Put Up or Shut Up?

We're reassessing our Monday night trips to The Red Barn, after what happened away from the poker tables this week.  We mentioned an argument developed, which ended with the Tournament Director reportedly leaving a customer with a bloody nose.

We've noted in the past this Tournament Director claims to be a Christian -- all the way down to putting a Christian message on his body, in the form of a tattoo.  Yet it seems to us his actions Monday night didn't match his words.  Nor did they match the words of Jesus:
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. - Matthew 5:39
This is what the Bible calls a "hard saying" for a lot of people -- including Christian believers.  We've been in church groups where even ministers tried to explain away this seemingly simple, straightforward statement.  Yet it's not only what Jesus said -- it's how He lived, and even died.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. - I Peter 2:23
We face insults from time to time while playing poker, especially online.  If we respond to them at all, we try to answer in a polite way.  We think it's always better to let your cards and chip stacks do the "talking," when it comes to which player is better.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." - Romans 12:18-19
There's much more we could write about this.  And we realize you might have many questions about this approach - especially if you were brought up in a "get-even" environment.  We found an online booklet offering an in-depth Bible-based examination of the broader issues involved in fighting.  There's only one battle the New Testament seems to recommend....
Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.... - I Timothy 6:12

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