3 Games

Like many of you we met with family, indulged in much food and little activity today. The extent of our exercise included finding a chair to watch a funny show or finding a chair at the table to play a game. We engaged in three games today of which you may be familiar.

In the game called Loaded Questions the questioner posed a question to all, which led to 11 hidden responses around the room. The anonymous responses were quoted for the questioner who was to guess what response went with what person. Your score depended on one thing: How well do you know others in the room?

In the game called Like Minds two were paired up. A phrase was posed and the answers between the pairs were to match and points were awarded for each one that did. Again, your objective was to come up with quick responses, yet try to determine what your teammate might be thinking. Your score depended on one thing: How well do you know another in the room?

The final game we played called Moods was somewhat theatrical. 9 different moods were displayed on cards in front of all. One person per turn would quote a given phrase in one of the 9 moods unbeknown to the entire group. Points were awarded to you for your performance by those around you who could identify the exact mood you had acted. Points were also awarded to those who properly identified your mini-drama. Your score depended partially on this thing: How well do you know others in the room?

I must admit that I failed miserably. I did not fail because I lost some of the games, but in one sense I did. I failed because my overall outlook toward others is lacking at best. We are not concerned with much more than the obvious when it comes to family and friends! To our credit Christmas is the only time we see particular family members who we have not seen or heard from during the year. But honestly, this fact did not satisfy my disgust in my personal selfishness. It is easy to be consumed with one person in the our lives – the one in the mirror – the one we look for every time we look at a picture – the one we pray about – the one we feed – the one whose name we look for in our peripheral under the tree – the one we go to the mailbox for – the one we love the most!

Here’s what Scripture says:

James 3:14-15

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

Gal 5:19-20

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,

Prov 18:1

An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.

Lord, help us to obey these next verses:

Phil 2:2-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Ps 119:36

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

I have not given you practical helps because I am considering what they might be for myself. Help me by responding with you practical ideas and I will post a follow up blog.

David