Gamble A Gamble!

It's nearly one week after my exams and there's so many things i would love to blog but i just can't seem to find the discipline to sit down and type it out! But just tot of talking abt this topic which somehow has got me really thinking! GAMBLING!

What is gambling? Many people have many definitions! Some say it is any activity when money or things of valued are used to risk for more returns(i'm not sure if you can consider buying shares is considered) The more conservative defines it as any game that requires luck or traditionally is a means for gambling regardless of whether money is involved or not. Well! For me, i support the first stand. But even taking this stand, i am still in certain struggle.

Recently, had a chalet with some of the youths. SO there was some games of Majong, Bridge, Dai De. I was pretty open to these games, firstly becoz these games are more than just being lucky but requires skills and secondly, as long as no money is involved and no compulsive playing. All of the youths adhere to the rules. Then the issue was discussed during the Youth Advisor Meeting. I have to clarify my intention and explained that I believe in educating them. We can stop them from playing when we are together but we can't stop them when they are outside of the group. I believe that I can use all these playing session to educate them on how to exercise self-control. I guess there's no one right way to deal with the issue of playing such games that doesn't involves money.

At first, I'm pretty convinced my way of dealing this issue is feasible until something cross my mind. I'm still accountable to their parents. If their parents are unaware or even against the idea of playing such games, then is it right for me to even allow such games even though i can use it as a teachable moment. Which is more important, Honoring your parents or playing a 'forbidden' game so that a value can be taught? Honestly, my immediate answer is honor your parents. Then have I help the youth in honoring their parents. No! Really this is such a 'thin line' issue. And I hope that in my unorthodox way of dealing this issue, I have not misled and stumbled anybody in the process. Really I'm at a loss!

God! Help me to do things that is pleasing in your eyes even if it means that it has to displeases any party. Help me to teach what is right to the youths, not my values but Your characters. And Lord, guide me so that I will not cause any of the young ones to stumble! Amen!