Know When to Fold 'Em

Kenny Rogers sang the memorable song, The Gambler, back in 1978. The famous "wise advice" from the dying gambler was,

You got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run

Without offering a hat tip to the dying gambler, I would suggest that this is fairly simple ... in the Christian life.

Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20). That doesn't sound like "hold 'em." It sounds a lot like "fold 'em." Give it to Him. Die to self. Let Him live in me. We're supposed to "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6:18), "Flee from idolatry" (1 Cor 10:14) and "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness" (1 Tim 6:11). This isn't "Hold 'em." It's "fold 'em" and surrender to Him. We're supposed to be "dead to sin" (Rom 6:4-7). "Fold 'em."

We are, of course, supposed to do things. However, all of them are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in God's power. We're supposed to be radically different than our world that seeks independence and autonomy and, instead, seek dependence and submission. It's not natural, but it's right and wise.