Playing Games with God

We love games today!  March Madness is in full swing and this weekend will reveal the Final Four in college basketball.  A new book series everyone is talking about is the “Hunger Games.”  This summer brings the Olympic Games in London, England.  We have game apps on our phones/mobile devices, and game consoles at our homes.  Take a situation, add two opposing sides and a dash of competition and we are game (ready.)

This affinity for games filters in to our interactions with each other, especially when we have different views on certain subjects.  As you try to persuade me of your view, you will engage in a mind game, trying to manipulate the conversation until the decision is to agree with your ideas.  When we meet in church, or in the community, our conversation will change so that the discussion does not contradict our previous position (and possibly lose the position we had gained.)  These mind games are not only personal, but national also.  It is where we get the modern study of political science, and the gridlock of politics in Washington D.C. 

Since we are able to play these mind games with the people around us, and even the pastor sometimes, we occasionally believe that we can pull the wool over God’s eyes.  Such was the case with the Pharisees of the New Testament.  They convinced the community around them that they were the most religious, and even felt like they were right with God.  When Jesus (God) confronted them on their double lives, they argued that their way was correct, despite its abandonment of the Old Testament.  They were called hypocrites, a Greek word referring to acting, such as being something you are not.

Due to our nature it is hard for us to see our own sin.  When we find it, we prefer to hide it behind busy schedules, good intentions, and flattering words.  You could consider these masks which we put on to influence everyone else.  But these will never trick God, because He can see our hearts and intentions.  It says that all of our secrets will be made known at the judgement.  Be true and honest with God, he already knows.  No More Games!

“The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Saying, 'No eye will see me'; And he disguises his face.” Job 24:15

“For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” Luke 8:17

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5