1 Corinthians 9:24 English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Given the competitive nature of man, the desire to prove himself in nearly every aspect of life, it is apparent that completion preceded these references by Paul to the people of Corinth. He uses the image that is well known to demonstrate biblical principles. There are however other aspects of games in which biblical principles can apply.

Common interests offer opportunities to establish friendships. They are trust builders in that when we agree with another, a barrier of trust is established to defend each other from outsiders. Rivalries are formed and being in that circle of friends gives opportunity to expose them to other traits and interests besides “the game”. It allows them to get to know who you are in Christ on a non-adversarial basis.

If “the game” is their only interest it lends to the opportunity to explore why. I have known a group of individuals in past times that had no interest in changing the subject. People who are so absorbed in “the game” that they have no room for anything else, are in need of God. We are not meant to be controlled by interests. That is a void that can never be filled, it can only be fed.

The game cannot love you. It can only entertain you. Entertainment is only an escape from life, it is not life itself. We can and do desire escape from reality when pain and suffering is all we see of life. It is unhealthy to constantly feed one vision after another. That is how world views distract us from God’s purpose for our lives.

God’s purpose can only be discovered after we have found God.

How will our friends know of Him if we do not tell them?

Ephesians 5:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Here is a profound truth many reject. All we have is time.

John 3:35 English Standard Version (ESV) The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.

We are but stewards of the Lord to care after those things which belong to Him.

1 Timothy 1:4b-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ ….. which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. ⁵ The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Words that could be a distraction from stewardship have been eliminated to focus on the real issue at hand. Our stewardship is a duty and that duty is to love. We are to love the lost and each other, not things of this world.

We buy new cars and trade them in to buy new cars. Everything we want in this world comes at a cost. The only thing we get to spend without cost is time. When we accept a job offer for an hourly wage, we sell our time as much as our skills. Jobs, like cars, houses, clothes and furnishings are replaceable and are often discarded for a better offer.

All things in the world are replaceable, except time. Once spent it cannot be replaced.

Do we spend our time wisely or spend it on things that promote speculation and cause us to waste time that could be better put to use in practicing love as a good steward is called to do?

While pondering that, give heed to this thought, spending time in the pursuit of like interests foster trust in friendships needed to share the gospel.