No Limit? Or Know Limits?

Phil Ivey has seized the chip lead, as we write this entry about the World Series of Poker Main Event.  Nearly 6,700 people have entered this year -- and unless you won a seat through a tournament somewhere, the price is steep: $10,000 to buy in.

We know a man who's put up the money to play in the Main Event for the second time in three years.  We're glad he has that much "money to burn" -- because, as with most big tournaments, only the top ten percent of the players will win money.

We personally don't have $10,000 to plunk down at this point.  We didn't go begging for donations to get it, either.  We're thankful to play in smaller tournaments -- if only because it beats losing everything and going broke.  Besides, we're reminded of a proverb....

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. - Proverbs 23:4

There's a delicate balance, when it comes to counting your riches.  Try too hard to hit the jackpot, and you could wind up penniless.  On the other hand....

And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.  Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."  But God said to him, "You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" - Luke 12:19-20

This is part of a parable of Jesus, about a "rich man" who had a good farming year.  It ends this way:

This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God. - Luke 12:21

Moral of the story: If you don't have a lot of money, that's OK.  Be thankful for the blessings God gives, and consider carefully any opportunities to earn more.  If you do have a lot of money, don't overlook giving some of it to God through your church.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.... - Deuteronomy 8:18