Nov 4th, 2023: Take a Gamble and Lose

A desperate man, eager to make quick money, believed he had a winning strategy for the poker table at a particular casino. He planned his trip meticulously, even remortgaging his house and taking on expensive loans. On the big day, he departed with all his life savings, hoping to return home rich.

Initially, he did fairly well, winning some decent amounts during the first two hours. However, as the game continued, both the other players and the casino upped the stakes. The game grew more intense, and the bets became larger, leading to significant losses. He realized he hadn't known his fellow players well enough and left the poker table that night completely broken. He must now face his family.

His gambling trip's repercussions are now being felt by his family, who have lost their house, car, and cherished possessions. He's unable to provide for his children, and their well-being is at risk. His only recourse is to create a Go Fund Me page on Facebook, hoping for financial assistance.

Reactions from people are mixed. Some are outraged by his actions, seeing him as the cause of the mess, yet he's seeking help. Others, more concerned about his wife and children, offer support. He contemplates setting aside some of the funds for his next gambling venture.

In a similar vein, I reflect on the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Hatred toward a particular group can consume us, causing us to lose perspective and risk everything, only to realize that our ambitions may be misguided. Innocent people suffer due to the actions of a few with wicked ambitions.

1 John 2: 15-17

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Mark 12:29-31

"Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."