There aren’t too many people that start off playing a game with losing in mind. Most of us play because it’s pleasurable, and the cherry on top is the win. Well, life is serious business, but there’s no mistaking it, it’s a contest and we very definitely have an opponent. The name of this game is Survival of the Fittest, and in order to stay ahead we must play wisely, according to the guidelines the Creator has set forth. Time is of the essence, because in the span of eternity, our time here on earth is but a drop in the bucket. One of my favorite songs echoes that earth is not our home, we’re just passing through. God has placed us here for a reason and a season. He wants us to enjoy life as much as possible; however, enjoyment is only part of it. The most important reason that God has placed us here is because life on earth gives us the honor, privilege, and opportunity to get closer to Him by becoming more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
We’re in the game of life because of the mandate God has placed on our lives. We serve an on-purpose God, and we’re an on-purpose people. God didn’t leave anything to chance when it comes to His Will and Word, and how we’re to operate within it. 1Peter 2:21(ESV) tells us, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” This is our purpose, to follow in the steps of Christ, because this is what is going to give us victory in the earth, and it’s going to help us be better Kingdom citizens.
Even in the most elementary games, strategy is required. We wouldn’t go into any contest and attempt to win while blind-folded or while we’re completely in the dark, but this is what many of us are doing in our earth experience. We’re trying to win the game of life while walking around in the dark. God has given us His matchless Word. It’s a failproof manual for living. 2Timothy 3:17-18 (NLT) tells us, “17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 18 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” Our work is to win in life by continually doing what God has sent us here to do.
Because of Christ we’re on a whole new playing field, yet some of us are still holding on to losing strategies of the past. It’s time to switch gears. Ephesians 5:8 (NLT) tells us very plainly, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” God has some treasures that He wants to give us, and He wants to guide our steps to them, but there can be no question about it, only His Word will lead us to what He has in store.
One of the things that we are witnessing today is that many players on the field are losing endurance, perseverance, and enthusiasm for God’s winning mission. They don’t understand that in order to stay in the game, we must be spiritually fit. 1Timothy 4:8 tells us, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” Spiritual fitness supercharges all the other aspects of our existences, and the way to remain in tiptop shape is train in Godliness by staying in God’s Word.
As we read the Word, God reveals His divine strategies. And not only this, but the Holy Spirit quickens this Word to us. He breaks it down internally and feeds it to our understanding. Our minds and hearts can then soak up all the powerfully-packed nutrients of God’s Living Word. This is what keeps us prepared to play smart and ready for any trick our opponent has up his sleeves.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ, God has given us the Holy Spirit as our guide, teacher, comforter, and friend. John 16:13(NLT) tells us, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” He’s a life-coach that actually quickens us with life, and he helps us with power and resources from God that are unlimited. The game of life is survival of the fittest, and as we study God’s Word and live by the example of Christ, the Holy Spirit will help us do more than survive. He will help us win at life continually as we put on the love of Christ, and remain obedient to God’s Word.■
English Standard Version (ESV), The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Game of Life” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.