GAME ON
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
   Through him all things were made; without him nothing was
made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was
the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the
darkness has not understood it.” John 1:1-5

Two adult men were standing outside of a tire store waiting for a flat to be fixed. The discussion led to days gone by when they were both in better shape and had achieved accolades for their success as wrestlers or as they put it “grapplers”. It wasn’t long before their memories of the past became an irresistible force in the present and it was “game on”.  Management rushed outside to break up what appeared to be a fight taking place on the front lawn, but soon realized it was nothing more than a friendly “show” for all to enjoy. After it was all over everyone had a good laugh, but I began to think about how important it is for us to be ready for “game on” in our spiritual life.
 
Get involved...
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
 
Long before we ever knew Him, God had a plan to “get involved” in our life. He modeled this by leaving the comfort of heaven to be with us, live among us and ultimately to die for us. Recently a friend of mine had an opportunity to practice this principle in his own life after a long hard day at work. In the middle of the night he saw two women with a baby trying to put snow chains on during a storm. To make matters worse their car wouldn’t start. You might think that anyone would stop and help, but you would also be wrong. In our society “things” are not always what they appear to be. Good Samaritans are often robbed and left for dead in spite of their efforts. Fortunately for those ladies, my friend made the decision to “get involved”; he put on their chains and got their car running. There are similar situations around us every day to “get involved”. No one can deal with them all, so ask God to show you which ones have your name written all over them.
 
Accept circumstances…
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!”
 Philippians 2:5-8
 
There is much debate about “when” Jesus understood who he was, but there can be no debate about what he did “after” he knew. Jesus “accepted his circumstances” and became “obedient”. A common phrase among my friends is, “It is what it is”. For a long time it bothered me because it sounds so fatalistic. Slowly I began to realize that the meaning of the phrase is only as negative as we allow it to become. If we learn to “accept our circumstances” and the look for positive solutions; we can turn a fatalistic “gripe fest” into a real-life “praise feast”. By getting involved, we have the ability to change “what is” into “what was” by acting on the answer of the question “What now?” Think about your circumstances and ask yourself, “What now?” Instead of giving in to the temptation to whine and cry (okay take a few minutes to indulge yourself), but then ask God for His direction. Acceptance of your circumstances does not mean that you are destined to stay where you are at; it’s only an acknowledgement of your location (a spiritual GPS, if you will) until you figure out where to go with God’s help.
 
Meet challenges…
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:1-4
 
Even as the Son of God, Jesus was confronted with “challenges” in His life just like we are. His tactic was to “meet” them head on with scripture. When we “meet challenges” we have the same power available, especially if we have hidden His Word in our heart (Psalm 119:11). Soon we learn that “challenges” are opportunities in disguise; perhaps an opportunity to be blessed. In my friend’s case, when he stopped to “help” the women in distress, God had already set in motion a series of events to bless him as well. When he eventually made it home, the snow on his driveway had been cleared by his neighbor who “got involved”. We won’t always experience such a tangible blessing. It may just be the grateful look on someone’s face when you stop to help them. People today are cynical and skeptical when someone goes out of their way to perform such acts of kindness.
  
Encourage others...
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
 
As Jesus prepared for His death, he spent time encouraging His followers. He told them that He would give them “peace” and the Holy Spirit who would come to comfort and guide them. Everyone needs encouragement, it’s healing, it provides us with the strength to go on when times are tough and it’s contagious. Just think about those ladies who were stranded alongside the road. What a story they have to tell; a story that will be retold countless times and encouraging others to model his actions. God wants all of us to become encouragers in our homes, in the work place and in the community. Life has a way of beating us down and God wants us to build each other up.
 
ON mission…
“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
 
What’s your mission? Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave the disciples and therefore us, a mission; a mission to make disciples. We all have different talents and abilities to be used in the process, but we are part of a team (the church) dedicated to fulfilling this mission. Sometimes we get busy with our jobs, our families or other interests and the mission suffers. When we are “on mission” we transition from being an “arm chair” quarterback believer to one who is actually playing the game. The former has it easy, sitting back in the comfort of their home second guessing the decisions of the “real” players on the field. When you are in the game, you are “on mission” making a difference. You will experience some setbacks and you will have aches and pains from contact with the other side, but you will also have the pride of being a part of the team; the team that wins the game.
 
Enjoy the Christmas holidays this year by getting your “game on”, in all the areas of your life. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers you need. Its okay if you are feeling a bit lost or out of touch. Take the time you need to “check your pulse”, consult with the Great Physician and listen for His prescription. Then get ready to open the best present ever; the plan that God has for your life; Game on!