The Game of Life :: By Dale V. Nobbman

The game of life is no game at all but a matter of eternal life or death.  From the moment we are born, we get a good ‘slap on the butt’ just like many athletes during competition.  Then we let out a cry of defiance just like many athletes do during a competition.  We are then off to the races in our hunger for food, love, TLC, and as much attention as we can attract from others.

Yes, once we are born, we enter every venue of competition, be it in our home, in school, or in a workplace.  In an alley, on a sandlot, on a field, in a stadium, in an arena, on a racetrack, in a coliseum, in a ring, or on a rink.  On the snow slopes, on a court, in the water, in the air, on grounds and courses, on ranges, in gyms and halls, on the radio, and on other media.  We even compete online, on reality television shows, and yes, on ever-popular television game shows.

Unfortunately, in all these fields of endeavor and competition, we open ourselves up to the pitfall of one of life’s greatest sins, pride.  The Bible says that pride goes before destruction and a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

“I [King Solomon] have seen something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives” (Eccles 9:11).

Thus, we need to focus on the eternal prize—Jesus Christ.

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).

“Everyone who competes in games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearance” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession [confessed Jesus Christ as your Savior] before many witnesses”  (1 Timothy 6:12).

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

“I am coming soon.  Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Rev 3:11).

“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

There is nothing wrong with legal earthly games, although some games can be dangerous, and loss of physical life is a possibility.  We all take part in some sort of games during our lives. Just remember, those games can have eternal ramifications, so take the game of life seriously.

Don’t be distracted by all the games mankind devises in this life.  “Get your head on straight,” as a coach might tell you, and focus on the long-term goal of obtaining eternal life in heaven, just like all the Christian teammates have done you’ve ever played games with or against in this life.

No matter what games you are playing in this life, it is important to read the rule book.  The rule book in this game of life is the Holy Bible.  It is a big book, but it is easy to navigate through it to find the one important rule for living successfully and to obtain eternal life with our life coach, Jesus Christ.

The one and only rule you need to follow to be victorious in this life and gain eternal life in God’s heaven is made very clear in the Bible and summed up in a mere two biblical verses.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “For 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” (Romans 10:9).

My best advice—believe in Jesus Christ!  Be a true winner and eternal victor in the game of life.

Just do it before you physically die or the Rapture takes place, so as not to forfeit eternal life.  There are no overtimes or second chances after you die to accept Jesus as Savior from your sins.

Don’t let pride get the best of you; remain humble, and give Jesus Christ all the glory and honor.

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