High Rollers

I know nothing about gambling.  I’ve never been in a casino except to stand in line for a buffet.  I’ve never tried poker (although I think I may have the face for it).  I’ve never even bought a lottery ticket.  It’s just not my thing.

But I want to live like a high roller nonetheless. 

A high roller is a gambler who bets extraordinarily large amounts of money.  When they show up at a casino, the red carpet is rolled out.  We’re not talking 50% off the seafood smorgasbord, but complimentary limousine use, a personal concierge, and a key to the penthouse suite.

High rollers take big chances because they have big resources to back them up.  They have the guts to roll the dice.  And that’s how I want to live when it comes to spiritual things.

Of course, there are times when it’s best to not take a risk.  But I’m learning that the worst possible thing a follower of Christ can do over time is nothing.  Doing nothing with your potential, your opportunities, your talents and gifts and creative faculties… that’s the worst bet of all.

You may protest: “But I’m not doing nothing – every day I get up and go to work/do my chores/finish my projects.”  Nothing disguised to look like something may be the worst nothing of all.  Just because you show up every day with the dice clenched tightly in your fist doesn’t make you a high roller.

You’ve gotta roll when it comes to your confidence in God.  Don’t just sit there with the cards in your hand (yes, I switched metaphors).  After all, this isn’t just a game of chance; it’s a game of faith.  There’s a power in play beyond some random results.  God is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Jesus said it this way: “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29 – NLT).

If your vision of life is safety and no big surprises – if that’s your view of the “faithfulness” the scriptures call for – then gamble small.  Be a low roller for Jesus.  Pull a couple one-armed bandits; throw some chump change at your future.

But if your dreams are big; if you catch yourself thinking in terms of what can influence an entire office building or city or region or culture; if you hope to start something or extend something or revamp something that over time could change the world; then bet the farm baby.

Whatever you do, don’t let the dice get all sweaty in your palms and assume holding on is the safest bet when it comes to your faith.  Roll.

If you want the perks, you have to go big.  Heaven caters to the high rollers.  I’m betting on it.

Comments

[Janice Hersey]

Absolutely on point! Great article!

[Mark Johnston]

Thanks Janice!

[Andrew H.]

Pastor Mark you're an inspiration!

[Mark Johnston]

I appreciate it Andrew. Glad you're a part of TJ!