Christy and I had a wonderful vacation with our good friends Roger and Annette, filled with lots of adventures. We drove through blinding snow to get to Newport, RI, endured a Nor’easter, and drove home in the snow too. We only lost our power for a short while and we were well prepared to sit the storm out. We had all the food we would need and played games all day while the storm raged around us.
On the way home Christy and I were talking about playing games. We enjoy playing Apples to Apples, Cribbage, Mexican Train, Scrabble, Sequence, and many others. As we talked, suddenly the thought struck me: “What kind of games would Jesus enjoy playing?”
Would Jesus enjoy playing games that involve the accumulation of riches or resources? Would Jesus enjoy playing games that involve death and destruction? Would Jesus enjoy playing games at all? I personally think he would enjoy the fun and companionship.
Then I began to think about other games Jesus might not enjoy playing. We play games with ourselves and others that can be harmful and hurtful. We even try to play unhealthy games with God.
How many of us have played “Let's Make a Deal” with God? We promise God all kinds of things, and ask God to give us what we want. Then we fail to live up to our promises.
How often do we find ourselves playing “Trivial Pursuit”? We chase after trash, and neglect the treasurers God offers us. Then we hold on to things that harm us more than help us.
How often do we play “King of the Hill”? We fight to climb to the top, pushing everyone out on our way. Then we prevent anyone from joining us. We play a lot of games Jesus would never play.
Imagine a world where we play games that enhance our relationships with God and one another. Imagine a world where we affirm one another and everyone wins. Imagine a world filled with joy and love.
I long to live in that world. I will see you in church. Remember, God loves us more than we can ever imagine, and I love you too!
Tom