Big-time poker establishments used to be "smoke-filled rooms." But during the last decade, that changed in Las Vegas. Now the World Series of Poker is smoke-free -- but when local bars host poker nights, smoke can rise almost as quickly as the beer levels go down.
So we asked about a poker player who asked another player if he could "borrow" a cigarette. What would we have done? We'll give this a two-part answer:
1. If we smoked and had cigarettes to spare, we'd probably hand one over. After all....
....Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35b
It's interesting to note you won't find this quote from Jesus in the four gospels. But it was uttered by Paul, who became an apostle after Christ's resurrection. Perhaps other disciples passed along the statement, after Paul (then called Saul) became converted (Acts 9:19).
2. But we don't smoke, and never have. We don't even hand money over to beggars, if they tell us they're going to use the money to buy tobacco. Another part of the Bible comes into play here:
So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.... - I Corinthians 10:32
The focus is on considering "the good of others" above your own interests (verse 24). That's what being "your brother's keeper" is all about. And science has proven "good" lungs are free of smoke from tobacco.
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. - Romans 15:2
Giving is good, if you have something good to give -- for instance, tipping the dealer if you make a big winning hand. But if someone asks for something that's not good, that's different. Keep what's best for other people in mind -- especially if it keeps them out of danger.
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