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.

 

I came across an anonymous article in a Christian tract titled ‘The Unique Christ,’ distributed decades ago by Grace & Truth Inc. based in Danville, Illinois.  I feel it deserves repeating in our current day and age.  First however, I want to pass along what A-I has to say about ‘The Unique Christ.’  Artificial Intelligence tends to get a lot of facts about things confused, but on this topic, it proved to be right on target.

The “Unique Christ” refers to the Christian belief that Jesus is a singular, incomparable figure, being both fully divine (God) and fully human, the only sinless one, the unique Son of God, and the sole Savior, uniquely bridging humanity and God through His life, death, resurrection, and promised return, unlike any other religious leader or historical figure. His uniqueness is rooted in His divine nature, eternal existence, sinless life, sacrificial role as the only way to salvation, and ultimate power over death.

Key Aspects of His Uniqueness:

The God-Man: The Word of God (“The Word was God”) became flesh and lived among us (John 1:1, 14), uniting two natures (divine and human) in one person.

Eternal & Pre-existent: He existed before His birth and will exist eternally (John 1:1-3, 8:58).

Sinless: He lived a life without sin, being the Holy One of God (1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5).

The Sin-Bearer: He alone bore the sins of humanity as a substitutionary sacrifice, providing forgiveness and reconciliation (Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:24).

The Only Way: He is the exclusive path to the Father and eternal life (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

Victor Over Death: He possessed power over His own death and rose again, never to die again (John 10:18, Romans 6:9).

Unique Teaching & Authority: His teaching style and wisdom amazed people, and He taught with unique authority, confounding even religious intellectuals (Matthew 22:46, John 7:46).

Theological Significance:

Fulfillment: He fulfills all human aspirations and restores sinful humanity.

Transformation: Knowing Him offers purpose and identity, transforming individuals.

Mediator & Judge: He serves as the sole mediator between God and humanity and will judge the world.

The following is what I read in the Christian tract:

Almost twenty centuries ago, there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life.  His death was contrary to the laws of death.  He lived in poverty; He possessed neither wealth nor social prestige.

In infancy, He startled a king; in childhood, He puzzled doctors; in manhood, He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the waves as pavement and hushed the sea to sleep.

He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for five thousand and have bread and fish to spare.

He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service.

He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him.

He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined.

He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students.

He never marshalled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun; and yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot fired.

He never practiced psychiatry, and yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near.

When He died, few men mourned.  But a black crepe was hung over the sun.  Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath them shook under the load.  All nature honored Him.  Sinners alone rejected Him.  Corruption could not get hold of His body.  The soil that had been reddened with His blood could not claim His dust.

Once each week, the wheels of commerce cease their turning, and multitudes make their way to worshiping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him.

The names of past, proud statesmen have come and gone.  The names of past scientists and philosophers have come and gone, but the name of this Man abounds more and more.  Though time has spread nearly 2,000 years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives.  Herod could not destroy Him, and the grave could not hold Him.

He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils, as the living personal Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Was it merely the son of Joseph and Mary who crossed the world’s horizon almost 2,000 years ago?  Was it merely human blood that was spilled at Calvary’s Hill for the redemption of sinners?

Like (the disciple) Thomas, could anyone in their right mind keep from exclaiming: “My Lord and my God!”

“But God proved his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31).

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).