The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. - Ecclesiastes 7:4
Our only contact with Bobby was through what some might call a "house of pleasure" - the poker room. Yet when we passed through a receiving line after the funeral to meet several relatives, our mention of poker brought an overall positive response. One person noted with a smile how Bobby loved to play the game.
Perhaps some of our fellow players attended the cemetery interment for Bobby the next day. But it was disappointing to see we were all alone on a Monday night, when it came to the poker community paying respects.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17A short message during the funeral service was given by a church deacon, whom we believe is Bobby's grandson. The things he said revealed quite a bit. He noted Bobby "didn't go to church every Sunday.... even most Sundays."
A lot of people have drifted away from attending church services in recent decades. Ask ten of those people why, and you'll probably get at least eight different reasons. Perhaps poker players feel more of a connection with fellow players than with people of faith. Yet the Bible tells us:
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:23-25If you have a hope for God's Kingdom, you might find encouragement toward "love and good deeds" at a poker table. Emphasis might. From our experience, we don't think it's very likely. It's far better to have a church connection, to grow in your belief in God and Jesus Christ - and to keep from going off a godly path.
(NOTE: We'll have more to say about the funeral in our next post.)
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