Yet sadly, the poker news this weekend is dominated by a couple of illegal games. Guilty pleas in New York City and a police bust in Virginia indicate the legal version may not be enough for some people.
What drives people to that sort of activity -- to think they have to play high-stakes cash games for bigger bucks? The Bible offers one possible answer:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. - I Timothy 6:10
.Human nature tends to be a selfish, greedy thing. People who win a little hope to win a lot. People who win a lot dream of pressing their luck to win a lot more. It's hard to do what some beer ads advise -- and "know when to say when." And sometimes as a result....
A greedy man brings trouble to his family.... - Proverbs 15:27a
What we need to learn instead is the opposite of greediness. Is that doing without, or going bankrupt? Not at all.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:12
Did you catch the key word? It's being content - which dictionaries define as being satisfied with what you have.
If you risk bringing ruin on your household to get a fancier sports car or vacation house, is that really a good tradeoff? Isn't it better to "count your blessings," as an old song says, and thank God for what He's provided you? It's certainly better than risking a free trip to jail.
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