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I play poker with my friends once a week. I really enjoy the game, just like I enjoy soccer, basketball or football. I'm not addicted to gambling. It's just a game I love and I'm good at. Sometimes we bet money and sometimes we don't. But my mom and I have had several conversations about this and she's uncomfortable with my gambling. Is it wrong to play poker at all?

I'm hesitant to say "no problem" because I don't know exactly the concerns your mom has. Sometimes moms overreact, but they also know what's best for us. So listen to her concerns. If she wants you to stop playing, you need to do that.

While I don't have a problem with playing card games, I do realize poker may lead to greater problems because of the gambling involved. Some Christians would advise you to stay away from the game because of its connection to gambling. I respect that view, but I think you can enjoy poker as a game as long as you don't bet money. It doesn't sound like you have a gambling problem, but watch out—sometimes we can think we're walking on solid ground only to realize we're in a mudslide leading us down. Most addicts don't realize gambling is a problem until it is a serious addiction that is as hard to kick as any other addiction.

If you could attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, you'd hear heartbreaking stories of well–meaning people whose lives are a mess because they started innocently enough but became hooked on gambling. Their families are devastated, their relationships and finances are a mess and if they're Christians, their walks with God are hurt as well.

My other worry is that in some cases the people who play a great deal of poker aren't exactly the most positive influences for your spiritual life. The question I would ask you is this: Is your faith becoming stronger? Or is poker taking you away from your relationship with God? Only you can answer that in your heart.

Jim is a well–respected youth pastor, speaker and radio host. Due to the volume of mail, Jim cannot answer every letter.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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