Sunday, August 18, 2013

Big Bucks and the Big House

There are all sorts of ways to play poker these days -- online in tournaments, in person at local club nights or cash games in casinos.  All sorts of legal ways, we should say.

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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