When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

Is it true that 'if you aren't prepared to lose all of your friends during a game, you aren't playing hard enough'? Well, on Saturday, February 28th, 2015, members and friends from our congregation had an opportunity to test that theory. Our Evangelism Task Force organized a games-filled afternoon of Taboo, Apples to Apples, Scattergories, Mad Gab, and others, as opportunities for players to test their skills, and forge alliances with or against other players. I had the chance to teach and facilitate a few games, demonstrating my obvious nerdy game prowess.

It was a joy to see members of all ages and all walks of life being able to let go and just enjoy each other's company for a few hours. It was a rare chance to see usually reserved members like sister Ruth, really impress with her descriptive genius during a game of Taboo. For some teams, their command of the English language was challenged while playing Mad Gab which required reading the strange arrangements of words on the game cards. It was interesting to discover that even kids like Daniel, aged 10, think cholesterol is 'dangerous' in a game of Apples to Apples. The laughter, incessant shouting, and raw energy in the air tingled as players got to know each other in a different light, in a friendly, non-threatening environment.

Generally, this is how relationships are formed: while having fun, working towards a common goal, or through mutual acquaintances, but a relationship's strength and longevity is tested the most in times of adversity and difficulty. How often do relationships crumble and strain when hard times arise because the foundation was built on shakey ground? As believers, the foundation for our relationships with others should be more than our similarities, likes and interests. My most substantial friendships are with those who share something more with me than my love of music, running, or board games, but those that involve godly challenges, rebuke, and encouragement. Relationships should be founded on Christ, guided by Christ, and drawn towards Christ. 

Since Christ gave us the Church, He purposefully gave us each other, so we could exalt God, learn together, and live the Christian life in tandem. In all things, we need to be of one Spirit, one mind, and one body, pointing each other, and others, to Christ. We need to show others His love. This might mean saying the hard words that need to be said, so the other person turns from their sin and repents, or it may be as simple as picking up the phone and calling someone who you haven't seen in awhile.

So, let us go deeper with one another, not just wading close to the shore, but diving deeply with Christ as the anchor. See each person as being loved by the King and in need of a Saviour. Because despite our outward appearances, we are all in need of grace upon grace upon grace.  Let us work out our salvation together, so we will live life, grow, and mature more and more into the likeness of our God.