Hooked and Unhooked

We were admittedly skeptical Monday night when a couple of fellow poker players told us marijuana was not addictive.  Why?  Because time has shown too many ordinary, legal things in life are addictive.

You can become addicted to alcohol, smoking, sugar, salt, the Internet, love (putting it in the polite terms of an old Robert Palmer song) -- and even addicted to poker, or some other form of gambling.  But the Bible recommends something else:

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. - Philippians 4:5 (KJV)

We should be moderate with the things in life which are legal.  Too much salt can lead to health risks such as hypertension.  Too much chasing after jackpots at a casino or poker room can leave you penniless and desperate.

When it comes to items which are illegal, as marijuana is in many states, the Bible's advice is breathtakingly simple and to the point:

Abstain from all appearance of evil. - I Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

We heard a sermon a few weeks ago about the perils of "harmful addictions."  If poker has become dangerously addictive for you, an organization called Gamblers Anonymous is ready to help.  And even more importantly, God is ready to help you as well.

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.  Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. - Isaiah 55:7