The Selfie-Driven Life

Ask a table full of players why they play poker, and you might get a wide range of answers. Some do it to make money, or make a living. Some do it to be around their friends. Regular blog readers should know why we do it.

But let's rephrase the question. For whom do you play poker?

Unless you enter some kind of a charity tournament, the answer well could be, "Me." That's much more likely to be the case if players are in a cash game. But we found a word of warning the other day about that....

But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. - Romans 2:8 (NLT)

We're in an age where "selfies" are popular - taking pictures of yourself to post on social media. But these Bible words are tough, soul-searching ones for people who turn their entire lives into "selfies". God gets upset with several groups of people here - firstly people who only lives for their own pleasure.

If this describes you at the poker table, what should you do? Fold your game completely? Well, maybe not. Maybe what you need is a change of focus:

He will give eternal life to those who go on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. - Romans 2:7 (NLT)

Yes, that means even seeking God as you play poker. Give Him praise if things go well. And give a tithe to Him if you win money. Offerings to church groups can be used for "doing good" in many ways.

Verse 8 also instructs us to "obey the truth." That means following Biblical instructions.As Jesus put it....

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. - John 17:17 (NLT)

"Truth" in the Bible also is defined as Jesus Himself (John 14:6) and God's Holy Spirit (I John 5:6). There's one aspect of that truth that many believers will be doing this coming week. Can you guess what it is? Watch for our next post, to find out.