Welcome Doug -- I am sure you will get lots of opinions. I am a stock trader and frequently a day trader and have had some of the same questions as you. This is all I know how to do. I have migraines and am a single mom of teenagers -- I need flexibility.
Matthew was a tax collector.
I don't trade to get rich. I trade for income. I live a pretty simple life. I spend money on raising kids and bills. I don't worship money.
But I certainly have fears about having no money -- so I have lots of flesh still to burn. I don't want to build myself up as being completely comfortable with what I do. I try to find balance but trading can be a huge undertaking. I've been taking some time to slow down recently but when I'm in full force, it's a 10-hour day. And I need to get back to full force soon now that school has started.
I think it's not necessarily what we do but how we do it that matters. I was a trader before I found God and His truths. I might feel better about things if I had been a nurse but I wasn't. I might feel better if I could work with my hands but I can't.
The only other thing I can do well is advertising and graphics but unfortunately they are centered around the big holidays -- Christmas, Easter, etc. Last time I considered taking an advertising position I knew I could not do it unless I sold/designed for Christmas.
It is important to live the commandments of God in all professions for sure. I belong to a trading chatroom that I mostly just monitor for market info but occasionally I will make comments or participate. I have had a feeling that some have put me on ignore and I'm not even being "heard" because you can click on the profile of anyone in the chat -- my profile has a short paragraph on the salvation of all and the love of God -- hence I'm on ignore for many. Being hated for His namesake is a part of it no matter what we do.
Anyway, you are bound to get many opinions.
I would have a tough time with the poker for a living too but I'm not going to judge your situation. I love Texas Holdem -- not to play myself but I have enjoyed watching on TV. Some more fundamentalist types teach that playing cards are pagan and related to tarot. I don't know. I love playing bridge on computer to relax and use my brain. I grew up playing cards and really enjoy it.
As far as casting lots for Christ's robes -- we are all guilty of that. We have all sold Christ for 30 pieces of silver. We are to live "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." We are all guilty of all. I have denied Christ at the cross like Peter. Sold Him down the river like Judas. Slayed other believers like Paul. Now Christ is working in me directly and I hope and pray I am becoming more like Peter and Paul after their transformations.
Any tool created by God can be used for good or evil -- knives, guns, lots, cards, trading, and even missionary work.
But welcome to the forum...this is liable to be an interesting thread you've started
carol