by Pastor Rodney Tilley
Van Horn Community Church
As some of you know, McDonalds is having their Monopoly game again as a promotion to get you to play and eat at their restaurant. I am collecting the Monopoly game pieces and if you find the 3rd green little sticker, I will win enough to build a new church, so help me out and keep looking because so far, all I have won is a straw and a lid for my drink which is something that everyone gets just by ordering a meal. But somebody has to win, so therefore I keep eating and drinking, and checking just to make sure. I don’t think it is gambling is it? I mean it is just a game, isn’t it?
This now brings me to my point that I want to make and that is: “Some people act as if life it is just a game to be played out.” They act as if life is just a game of chance and if you get Boardwalk and Park Place you win, and if you win the lottery you will be forever happy. They go from one game to another, always thinking they will win, when in reality, they have never won anything of value in their search for this “key to happiness.” They think if they can roll sevens just one more time, then tonight they will take home the $69.70 in the pot and be forever rich.
But let me remind you of what Einstein once said, “God does not play dice,” which validates the idea that life is more than a game of chance and that the universe and you were created for a reason. God says he knew you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and that he calls you by name. In fact, you were never a “mistake” or the result of a one night stand, “no,” and let me say it again,” NO!” you are child of God made in his image to bring joy to your heavenly father by an act of your will to serve him and love him because he first loved you. (I John 4:19)
In fact, there is no chance in this life of yours, for you get to make choices and if you make bad choices, “You reap what you sow,” and if you make good choices, again, “You reap what you sow.”
But before I begin preaching, let me get back to my Monopoly game. Even if I get the winning game piece and find out that I get a free Big Mac and Fries, tomorrow I will be hungry again for everything that this life gives including hamburgers is temporary. You see there is only one thing that is eternal and that is God, and the only way that I can have eternal life is to be with God, therefore, quit playing temporary board games and start doing, God’s will, God’s way, and begin eternal life today.
You see, “Life is more than a game” for there is reality with rules and commandments, consequences and rewards, and grace freely given. Monopoly may be fun but life, real life in Christ can be better. It is more than a game, more than the roll of dice, and more than another hamburger consumed. It is more than a game.
For more information on “playing life” contact Pastor Rodney Tilley at 432-207-0015.
