Games We Play

Games We Play:

As long as I’ve been involved in ministry - I’ve seen the games people play. Obviously it’s nothing new since the author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament wrote about the same thing in 10:25, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I did a pastoral internship years ago at a large church in San Antonio Texas, and the Senior Pastor said that people frequently play a dangerous “game” when they stop attending church (worship, small group, etc.) just to see if anyone will notice. I had only come to know Christ about a year before - so that struck me as VERY odd indeed!

As I read through the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, I can’t find anything in there about “not serving” or “avoiding everyone” to see if anyone notices. The level of selfishness involved in that kind of game has always struck me as juvenile and incredibly toxic.  Then as I read through the Great Commandment (Matt 22:36-40) where Jesus tells us to love God first & foremost - and in doing so we also must love our neighbors. My point here is that people playing hide-n-go-seek are doing neither.

If you’re hurting and need someone to talk to - then reach out to someone in your church (pastor, group leader, or friend) and tell them what you’re going through, but don’t play games and give the enemy (Satan) an undeserved victory. If you’re hurting because of the situation you put yourself in… “Nobody noticed or cares that I’m gone,” then ask yourself who benefits from that? How is the LORD being lifted up through that? How is the mission of God being fulfilled? How does it demonstrate love for God & neighbor on YOUR END?

So whether it has been one week or 70 years since you silently decided to play the “Let’s see if anyone notices” game - today is a NEW DAY! Hit the reset button and start fresh today!  Read Lamentations 3:22-23:

Because of the Lord’s faithful love

we do not perish,

for His mercies never end.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness!

While you’ve been sitting on the bench playing your game whole people groups have come to know Christ, the kingdom of God has advanced, new Believers have been baptized, and we’ve gotten ONE DAY CLOSER to Christ’s return. There’s still time to get involved and make your redeemed life count before that trumpet sounds and the LAMB OF GOD returns the same way He departed.

So take the words of Hebrews 10:25 to heart, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I’m encouraging you with a swift kick… Get back in there and make your life and ministry count for Christ and quit playing games. I guarantee if you're out at the front of the pack taking the fight to the Gates of Hell - people will notice, and more importantly God will.

Blessings,

-Kevin