Ephesians 2:11-13

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” vs. 13

Paul wanted the Gentiles to know that the old game was over. The sacrificial love of Jesus had transcended all the game playing that religious people love to engage in. There would no longer be circumcised and uncircumcised or insiders and outsiders.  All would be one–all would be winners! It’s still hard for people to put aside those old notions of winners and losers when it comes to faith. Even though we should have known better, theologians and church leaders have wasted enormous time and energy choosing up sides and making up new rules for believers. We shut down communion tables, refused to pray with each other, and condemned losers to hell, all because we thought life was a game, and only winners got to go to heaven. How good it is when we finally begin to realize that we are all on the same team, and that we have an infinite purpose in this world. We don’t have to score more runs, rack up more souls for Jesus, or even get more members for our churches. We are called to love the unlovable, welcome outsiders, bring healing to the broken, share our bread with the hungry, and bring joy to the hearts of all we encounter. Our planet is facing enormous challenges, but if we can learn to play together well, we will make a difference.

Thought for the Day: What happens when we stop playing games?