Two Things Not to Do

It was a quiet day in the poker room for us - at least in terms of speaking. We mentioned in our last post that we didn't bring up issues of faith and God at all.

Why? Because of two events on the Wednesday calendar that the church association we attend opposes.

1. Valentine's Day. It has its roots in a Roman pagan festival. Therefore, even though it's presumably named after a saint, it is considered "detestable" in the eyes of God:

You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshipping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates.... See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. - Deuteronomy 12:31-32

The day currently promotes love and romance. But one church writer has said it's wrong on February 14, "because the expression of that kind of 'love' is still rooted in a former pagan holiday." We concluded from that statement that we should not love God and Jesus on that day, either...

If you love me, you will obey what I command. - John 14:15

Thus God is love (I John 4:8, 16) - but on one day a year, our group says love is wrong.

2. Ash Wednesday. We even heard someone in a buffet line at the casino mention the day. Some believers began the season of Lent and self-denial, even attending special services to mark the occasion.  But the day and season are nowhere found in the Bible.

It's another case where the dating is wrong, but the concept is a good idea....

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

This sort of denial can start at any time of year. We think it's better to deny sinful behavior, more than chocolate or social media. And even better, it should last for more than 40 days.

...But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. - Matthew 24:13

Jesus wants people to be life-long followers. That may sound cultish, but it's what the early disciples did after Jesus was resurrected.

So that's why we played poker Wednesday, but didn't say much - even trying to avoid complimenting players on a good hand. (Wouldn't that be a small expression of love?) We didn't thank God for our success until we prayed this morning - after our "double-down day" was over. Your comments on this (and other topics here) are welcome.