Faith Vs. Fiction: When Truth Recognizes Game

Why does life seem so hard at times? Is it designed to be tough in spite of our best intentions, or is there another explanation for the pain and turmoil we often experience even as Christians? Is life a game to be judged on “wins and losses” or something much deeper?

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”, and in the dictionary, the word fiction is defined as “…an imaginative creation or a pretense that does not represent actuality but has been invented, a lie, or a literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact.” The essence of our Christian conviction is manifested through the expression of our faith. We profess belief in a god who we cannot see, the occurrence of historical events in which we were not present to authenticate, spiritual truths we do not always understand, and complex aspects of Biblical interpretation whose results sometimes rub us the wrong way. While we can’t see or touch the Lord, we rest in blessed assurance that His saving grace is sufficient to redeem our innately sinful nature. Fiction, on the other hand, is imaginary, fake, or phony. It is based on feel-good emotions rather than the covenants with God.

Some sectors of society would have us believe living a life based on fictional principles and ideals is beneficial (note “The American Dream”), but it would do us well to not be deceived. Being faithful is an act of obedience because “…without faith it is impossible to please Him [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him,” (Hebrews 11:6). In John 17:16, Jesus prayed for His disciples and defined truth this way, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is the truth.”

The dictionary defines game as, “an activity providing entertainment or amusement; evasive, trifling or manipulative behavior.” Therefore, faith stands for truth, while fiction represents a false, misleading sense of reality. Life is not a game to be toyed with or wagered on, rather a journey of faith that should be respected and approached with a sincere focus on pleasing God. With that said, let’s explore what happens when truth recognizes game?

Noah’s experience with God in the building of the ark provides a great starting point. God grew weary of mankind’s continued disobedience, and so decided to flood the Earth, and begin again (Genesis 6:5-8). Noah, however, found grace in the Lord’s eyes. God instructed him to build an ark in which he and his wife, his sons and their wives (Genesis 6:17-20) would ride out the flood until the waters subsided. God honored the faithfulness Noah’s obedience exhibited. Noah’s decision was not easy, though, because every person Noah knew would perish in the flood except for those who God allowed Noah to take onto the ark. What do you think would’ve happened if Noah had disobeyed God’s instructions?

Faith is not about ease nor is it about doing what we want, when we want. Noah could’ve operated from a place of doubt, fear, and immobilizing frustration when God told him of His plan to flood the Earth, yet he chose not to. Noah clung tightly to his faith, cast fear aside, and pushed forward in an effort to glorify God. Consequently, his life was spared and he impacted the world in great ways. Living an obedient life of faith is difficult, but it is also honorable before the Lord. We know God expects us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The enemy loves it when we make decisions based on a perverted sense of logic and comfort instead of sacrificial faith (1 Timothy 3:6-7). He doesn’t want us to succeed in Christ and in order to achieve his goal, we must move away from his influences and closer to our unwavering belief in the Lord. Therefore, when truth recognizes game, in the context of the aforementioned terms, God is glorified and well pleased with the obedience of our sacrifice.

It is important that we strive to exercise faith, diligence and discipline in all areas of our lives. We must believe the Father will honor our sacrifices according to His will and timing. Don’t let the attraction of society’s bright lights and empty promises of success and wealth trick you into doubting God’s abilities. The same God who has saved us from eternal damnation will also empower us through the Holy Spirit to remain faithful. We can count on Him like no one else because He’s “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).