The Game of Life
In 1840, Milton Bradley invented a game that, after several reiterations, is still in existence: The Game of Life. Its original design was to help young people understand the decisions to be faced at each stage along the journey of life, and in many ways it sought to teach moral and ethical principles.
I remember playing The Game of Life with my family. As a boy it conjured up ideas about the future – college, careers, and investments. Now, as a middle aged man (depending on what you call “the middle”!) I can tell you that life is nothing like the game. To be sure, there are common elements but it is impossible to foresee the twists and turns that life’s path will take.
As a child of God, I am happy to testify that I do not have to plan my life – the Lord is the Planner and I am the follower. He is in control and He is my Companion all along the way! He IS Life (John 14:6), and He gives life “more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Our Lord’s record book in Heaven of those who belong to Him is called “the Lamb’s book of life.” A reminder that it is only because of the Lamb that we have life. But there is also a book in your Bible that is all about life. In fact, it is about what life looks like apart from God.
Ecclesiastes: Eternal Truth About Life
Ecclesiastes may be one of the most sobering things ever penned by any man. King Solomon wrote it near the end of his life. In its truest sense it is a sermon, and a sermon that must not be ignored.
These 12 chapters give a true record of what life looks like when it is built on the false promises of sin, the false thinking of human minds, and false hopes for this world. The words of the Preacher are an accurate representation of what life looks like separated from God. Life “under the sun” is “vanity and vexation of spirit.”
Hebrew poetry is not built on corresponding sounds but on corresponding ideas. Ancient Hebrew poets used parallel thoughts to contrast and compare two realities. Ecclesiastes gives the darkened view of earthly life in opposition to the light of Heaven. In the final wisdom book, written by the wisest man who ever lived, you will discover the necessity for “the wisdom that is from above” (James 3:17). Only higher truth can deliver us from low living.
The Message of Ecclesiastes: LIFE IS NOT A GAME!
Some men play games with God. Others play with sin. But this life, and the life to come, are not to be trifled with. Life is a gift. Life is a stewardship. Life is a battle. But life is not a game.
Would you join me this summer for a devotional walk through the Spirit inspired sermon of Solomon? I believe you will find as I have that this little book in the heart of your Bible has so much practical truth for every area of life. Our new Enjoying the Journey podcast series starts next on June 9th. We hope you will listen to each episode and share them with those you love. Listen on ETJ.Bible or subscribe to Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.
It’s time to get as serious as God is about life.
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