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by Kevin Pauley
Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. – 2 Timothy 2:5
I walked into our living room and watched a couple of my children playing a game called Spy Hunter. It involves a James Bond-like car that chases evil cars around and generally causes mayhem while saving the world. What drew my attention was a warning whoop that kept sounding. When I walked in and saw what they were doing, I couldn’t help but laugh. They were actually going through the course backwards! They were ignoring all the rules, just bashing into stuff, blowing up good guys and pretty much making a big mess of the game. Oh, sure they were having a grand old time but the thing that concerned me was that they weren’t even aware that they were playing it wrong! There were little icons that signaled imminently fatal damage to their car but they didn’t recognize it for what it was. There was another icon that kept flashing at them that they were headed the wrong way but it was ignored. There was yet another that informed them of goals yet unreached but it might as well have been invisible.
How are you playing at life? Are you one of those people that say “I know the Bible says that but…” You know - “I know the Bible says I should go to church (Hebrews 10:25) but that’s my only day to catch up on chores.” “I know the Bible says that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6) but I think that there are many alternate ways as well.” “I know that the Bible says I should respect my husband (Ephesians 5:22) but you don’t know my husband!” “I know that the Bible says I should demonstrate sacrificial love for my wife (Ephesians 5:25) but she’s such a nag!” But, but, but, but!
Do you want to succeed in life or not? I’m not talking about making a million dollars, climbing the corporate ladder or being world famous. By success I mean being prepared to die a good death; coming to your death being surrounded by your loved ones, knowing your life meant something and being right with God so you can die in peace. If that is what you want then listen to the Bible. It has the answers to every imaginable question you might have. It’s like the gamers ultimate walk-through manual. It not only talks theory and strategy but gives you practical examples of people who have practiced it successfully and some who have not.
You may be having a lot of fun. You may be whooping it up. But are there little signs in your life indicating imminently fatal errors? Are there warnings that you are going the wrong way or that you are not achieving the goals God has set in place for you? Don’t ignore them. Don’t brush them aside. You may be missing the whole point of the game.
Take a few moments to find a quiet place, turn off the radio, the TV, the VCR and unplug the phone. Take a piece of paper and pencil in hand and ask God to show you the signs of wrong living in your life. Then take that list and vow to change one each week until you’re back on track.
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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