Living Large

The biggest poker tournament of the year in our state occurs this weekend.  But as usual, we will stay away -- because it's happening on a day when we avoid playing poker.  We've explained that reason here before.

But we'd like to focus on one of the side events - a "High-Roller Poker Tournament."  It has a $10,000 top prize, but a seat (along with free food and drinks) costs you $500.  (The entry fee goes to charity, which is a kind gesture.)

Lots of big poker events have tournaments like this.  The WSOP added a contest with a million-dollar buy-in a few years ago.  If you have a lot of money to spend, it's a chance to make a lot more.

The concept reminds us of something Jesus said....

...When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. - Luke 12:48 (NLT)

If you've earned a lot of money playing poker, what are you doing with it?  If you're only padding a bank account, we'd ask if that's really the right priority.  Consider what else Jesus said in this section:

And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. - Luke 12:47 (NLT)

Have you stopped to ponder what God wants you to do with your winnings?  We should note this principle goes far beyond money -- it could refer to an important job, or skills and talents in other areas.


Poker high-rollers should realize they'd better have a lot of money not merely to spend, but to lose.  Because in truth, most players in a tournament go home empty-handed.  We think it's a good idea to think about other ways to invest big winnings.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21

Only a relatively few players will make the list of WSOP bracelet winners -- and unless you win a main event, that bracelet is likely to be forgotten years after you're gone.  What things are you doing which will last for eternity?  How are you being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21) - doing things God is much more likely to reward?