The Game of Life

Daily writing promptWhat’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?View all responses

My favorite game is the game of life. It’s much less routine and much more exciting than most people realize.

There’s so much scenery in my “ordinary” backyard. What amazing views! Every leaf and every bunch of leaves sways with its own unique shape. Every cloud is a special sight to see. Even in the dark the stars and moon delight my eyes. Yet in the midst of such extraordinary vistas, often all I see is the ordinary. God the Father calls us to see more! (John 1:29)

The Bible teaches the direct opposite of the “let the preacher do it” mentality. It teaches that the role of spiritual leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) is to train ordinary Christians to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4;11) not merely to lecture a passive congregation. Both Peter and Paul teach that Christians are supposed to be active in Spirit-gifted ministry. (1 Peter 4:10-11 and Romans 12:6-8) So why aren’t preachers focused on training, encouraging, and releasing the people in their congregation to minister to one another and to be Christ’s light to whoever God the Holy Spirit leads them? Religious tradition is holding pastors back and preventing them from training and releasing the people they preach to. (Mark 7:13)

A relationship with Christ is free but it’s not easy. Jesus Himself said that it requires self-denial (going against our own thoughts, feelings, and desires), cross-bearing (not running away from struggles and trails), and discipleship (continually following and obeying Him). (Luke 9:23)

The idea Christianity is just something you listen to instead of something you do has mislead many people. (James 1:22) Active, Spirit-led and empowered Christianity is the key to true success (happiness, inner peace, deep heart connection with other people, freedom from mental and emotional bondage, guiltlessness, heart-swelling love) in the game of life. The “let the preacher do it” mentality has greatly inhibited the spiritual growth of many Christians.

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