Are You In?

 A card game has similar aspects to our faith walk and can help us think about choices. Will we decide to be a player? In the game of life, sometimes we sit it out because of fear, setting aside all the wonderful resources God has provided and what He desires for us. Saints may resist being led by the Spirit, afraid to make a mistake or look foolish; often it is fear driven. When we do get in the game, Satan’s tactics and the flesh may cause us to fold, being “weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9), “made shipwreck” (I Timothy 1:19), or “tossed to and fro.” (Eph. 4:14) Sometimes we are indifferent or lukewarm, ignoring God or only yielding to Him when it is convenient to the flesh. Purpose to live unto God, choosing to know the power in you to live resurrection life.

The goal is to function as who God made us, living the sound doctrine we learn in each opportunity or challenge. We are to play the cards we are dealt with all our heart as a glorious opportunity to be a part of what God is doing, in His business. These saints will have the heart to serve, be fully active even when it is not convenient, and strategic, taking risks like trading in cards to gain a better hand or to know when to hold; whatever is needed. They accept ministry or leadership opportunities, like dealing the cards, pressing forward: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)

Another Example: race car videos: This pastime escalates speed, inserting unexpected and increasingly difficult obstacles to challenge players, testing and enabling them to enhance skills and score points. When participants don’t care, are slow to learn or respond, or allow their focus to wander, they’ll crash and burn. Similarly, life is fast paced and can be full of unexpected challenges, providing numerous opportunities to depend on God and use the doctrine in the inner man to learn. Life can be hard, yet we are rewarded for the works that endure the fire: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building…If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” (I Corinthians 3:9,14) God also designs experiences to “work together for good” (Romans 8:28) and has placed us under grace, which has “no condemnation.” (Romans 8:1) So then to prepare, we can study and meditate daily, rightly divide, and be self-aware, but also attentive to circumstances and situations to apply the Truth. Mistakes are inevitable and merely opportunities to learn, teaching us to avoid obstacles, recover, and mature.

A major personal lesson was that life was not what I expected: it was far more difficult, didn’t go as planned, and new variables always seemed to be interjected. As a saint and rightly divider, I was blown away how unaware I was to play the game of life and apply the doctrine. There were many obstacles, but God is faithful and was there for me. Choices: Will we trust Him and Scripture in the issue or proceed in fear, fleshly efforts, and what we think?

Reflect: Allow these two analogies to help you assess your spiritual walk  to get in the game. Access God’s wisdom and power and choose not to be driven by your desires, wisdom, and the flesh. Use these insights to proceed: “knowing the time, and that now it is high time to awake.” (Romans 13:11)