Everyone seems to play games brushing the edges of authorities trying to impose order and rule. The visible actions are out there if we are willing to look. Radar detectors appear to give us a license to speed. Word games provide multiple loopholes in how we deal with our taxes. Jay walking is a cultural norm. Nuances of shoves, blocks, and dives influence how we participate in basketball, football, and track. The invisible actions include outright cheating, lying, and use of performance enhancing drugs. Everyone is playing the game.
We all know the admonitions. We understand the strict letter of the law. We might admit that the fact that “duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.” (Romans 13.3) However, we do not want to lose our edge, our ability to win at whatever we are doing. Remember, losing is just not an option!
I look at myself and see that I am so used to playing the game that my outlook transcends everything I do. I know intellectually that God offers me a prepaid gift, but everything in my body tells me that I must compete on the edges for God to win! Just like sports, there is only one winner. Just like the local parking authority, tickets are for generating money; nobody cares about having available parking. Just like sports, the other guy is cutting the edge, if I do not, I am will lose for sure. Just like taxes, I am not rich so any edge I cut is only fair since the big guys take all the breaks. The game is stacked against me so it is only fair that I take every opportunity to win!
No!
God does not, is not, playing games with us. The issues and relationships are real and affect each person for eternity. Take a fresh look at God and your relationship to the divine. Love, grace, mercy, and no need for corners is at the heart of every true believers journey.
