Growing up, board games entertained us for hours. Whether paired off with one of my siblings or strategizing my next move at the roll of the dice or a slap of a card, there was no denying game time meant playtime. Now once the cards and pieces were put away, we remained active in each other’s lives. Simply, we didn’t need games to enjoy each other’s company; we considered each other’s company apart of life.
Imagine that. Connected without the benefit of aces or clubs, Park Place or Boardwalk, or even bingeing or gaming (had to sneak that one in). We learned to get along because it’s what you do. Now, don’t get me wrong. I can only guess your family didn’t grow up living the perfect life on a Monopoly board or on Fantasy Island where everyone plays fair, loves unconditionally, harbors no remorse, and forgives quickly. And yet, Jesus knew this life would get real, often with all fun and games aside. People would get on each other’s nerves and not know how to rebound from the tension. And often, harsh words would exchange well before a humble word of prayer. How does one navigate the game of life in a Monopoly-focused world?
Before I share, what did Paul say in Romans 12? Well, in verses 9-18, I believe he attempted to stress three key points. First, the Word:
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Those three points? Love. Pray. Do.
You see, because of freewill, I can’t expect someone to bend to my way of doing. My move in life, however, is to love them despite their faults, pray them through those faults and do all I can not to contribute to any further faults. I can show love even when it’s absent or obscured. I can pray even when I know I want to lash out because of retaliation, anger or just plain old snarkyness. And as I pray, I remain open to do what God wants me to do next. Not to boast in my spiritual prowess, but to learn the mirror reflects both ways and I have a few faults of my own.
Mother Teresa’s well known words remind us that genuine love of others comes from loving them from a real place, not a play one. Let me leave you with those words reportedly inscribed on the wall of the Calcutta Children’s Home where she served. May they and Paul’s instructions help you to love, pray and do in a monopoly-focused world.
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
