Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Game (12/06/12)
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TITLE: No Trivial Pursuit | Previous Challenge Entry
By Holly Westefeld
12/13/12 -
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First of all, even if a person new to a game does not know its history, he inherently understands that it was deliberately designed by someone, not just a random collection of unrelated materials with no purpose. Yet, somehow, mind-boggling though it is, many accept that the order and complexities of the universe spun in to being from some ancient cosmic twister. Where there is a design, there must be a designer. Only that designer can fully know the object and rules for his game, and communicate them clearly through detailed instructions.
Secondly, not associating the correct instructions with a game leads to chaos. If the wrong directions are in the box, there might be some parts that make since, but many that do not. Even more frustrating, is when one player assures the others that he knows the rules by heart, because he inevitably forgets to mention a detail which makes it look like he is making it up as he goes along or even twisting the rules to gain the advantage. If questions arise, players feel secure when there is a rule book to which they may refer.
Thirdly, no one is interested in playing a game where there is no defined object. They want to know how the game is concluded, and what determines the winner(s) and loser(s). Rarely is anyone satisfied with a tie, though many prefer solitaire, so they are accountable to no one and can always view themselves as winners.
Real life in God's universe has both similarities to and differences from the games people devise. As the Creator, it is His prerogative to set the parameters by which His universe will operate. Denying His existence, or objecting to His sovereignty does not change reality. Satan challenged that sovereignty, initiating a war that will endure until God confines him to the lake of fire with all who have not opted to desert his army.
Satan has several ongoing strategies to try to keep as many people as possible on his side. Some, he has actually persuaded he will win. Others, he has deceived by circulating counterfeit instructions. Many prefer fun to rules, and do not believe, even should Satan lose, that separation from God will be all that bad. Probably saddest of all, are those who know the truth, but put themselves in jeopardy by postponing their decision to switch to the winning side.
It is not difficult for people to discover the real instructions, if they are diligently seeking the truth. God has laid his cards on the table for all to see. He has spread evidence of His majesty throughout His creation, so even those who have never seen a Bible may know of Him. Knowing that it was impossible for any of us to follow His rule of living a perfect life in order to spend eternity with Him, He sent Jesus to fulfill that requirement, fully cognizant of the risk that billions of people would reject His sacrificial substitution. Jesus kept all of the rules that we cannot, and left us with only one rule, one that we can choose to follow. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Like it or not, God has a monopoly on Heaven. Unlike games people play, anyone can choose to be on the winning team. Following Christ is no trivial pursuit. It matters for eternity. When His fullness of time has come, Satan and his army will be in checkmate. Which side will you choose?
Romans 10:9 NIV
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