Why don't you see poker stars do that? A clue to the answer comes from an article posted this week by a former "charity poker tournament director." Among other things, Aaron Todd recommends NOT directing an event and dealing for a table at the same time:
I was shuffling one deck while dealing with the other, and I dealt a flop with the hand I was shuffling. One of the players pointed it out immediately, saying, "I think we have a problem; one of my cards is there on the flop."
"Multi-tasking" has become commonplace for many people. They walk down a street, checking their phone for messages with one hand, and maybe eat a hot dog with the other. They deal with many "spinning plates" at the same time during the course of a workday, whether they're calls from clients or monitoring of urgent situations.
But when it comes to poker, many players see value in focusing on one game at a time. And we think that's a good approach far beyond the table. Here's why....
That man should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. - James 1:7-8
Who is "that man" in this passage? The preceding verses indicate it's someone who asks God for wisdom, yet who does so with doubt instead of faith (verses 5-6). We've found that's a high standard - because there are times in poker when you think you've made the wise move, only to see it become a bad beat.
Those moments can create clouds of doubt.- and we admit we're not sure of the best way to remove those clouds. Perhaps it comes in realizing the odds in a given hand, and accepting the fact that longshots sometimes happen.
But can we get a bit more personal with this?
No one can serve two masters. Ether he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. - Matthew 6:24
Jesus's words demand a decision from each of us. Are you trying to "straddle" as you play poker -- making it the top priority, promising to get "back to God" sometime in the future?
The problem is that no one knows how much "future" we have left. We're all potentially one wrong step or missing breath away from the end of our lives. Jesus wants you to serve Him and God the Father, above all other things.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33
If God's given you something to direct, direct it well - and share the other tasks as you can. But may your ultimate focus be on the things which matter most. Above everything else.
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