How To Play
How the Game of Life is Played
Most sports require a good offense to score points and a good defense to stop your opponent from scoring. And whoever has the most points wins. In the game of life a lot of people think making a lot of money or having a lot of material possessions is the goal. I have been guilty of playing both these games. Then I later realized that the goal of life for me was to get my butt into heaven. Not how many games I can win, or how much money and material possessions I have.
Then the goal of life became clear when I heard a national pastor talk about the first question in the Shorter Catechism. What is the Chief End of Man? The answer is, “To glorify God and enjoy him forever”. Once the scales were removed from my eyes, I realized I had the “enjoy him forever” part in my sight. But I had not seen the “glorify God” part. I was blind to it because I was distracted by doing the things of this world.
As a Christian, the goal of our life on earth is to glorify God. And we will enjoy him forever because we are saved. As a Christian, we believe we live two lives. The short one on earth and the eternal one in heaven. That when our earthly body dies our soul goes immediately before God and Jesus to be judged. That our works on earth will be put in the fire and those works that are not worthy, will burn up. We will be rewarded for our good works that survive the fire. And we will receive a reward accordingly.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15, For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved-even though only as one escaping through the flames.
God created us for his enjoyment and purpose to use us in heaven. That life on earth is a test so, God can see how He can use us in heaven. Life on earth is preparation for eternity with God. Life on earth is not meant to be a pleasure cruise and all happiness. You are expected to work and struggle. Through work and struggles your strengths and weakness are exposed. If you work at it and put forth the effort, you will become stronger and more complete. God will see how to use you in Heaven and on His team.
Resist the temptation to spend all your time doing the things of this world. This is a diversion tactic that the devil probably likes. If we spend all our time doing the things of this world, then we have no time to glorify God. Do not lose sight of your final destination in heaven. Where you will enjoy the fruits of your labor forever, with God, Jesus, parents, children, and others.
James 1:12, blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.
Proverbs 3:11-12, My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
James 1, 2-4, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Hebrews 12:1-28 – God Disciplines His Sons
Matthew 20:28, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus prayed to God these words near completion of his mission on earth, I have brought your glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began, John 17:4-5. I hope we can all say this same prayer when our time has come to enter heaven.