LIFE AS A GAME AND REALITY SHOW: Navigating Predetermined Rules for Divine Rewards By Bishop (Dr.) Priscilla Otuya
INTRODUCTION.
Life can often feel like a game or a reality show, with God’s predetermined rules and regulations. Many individuals fail to reach their ultimate reward because they are misled by societal and religious values and expectations. This write-up explores the concept of life as a game, drawing parallels with a reality show, and underscores the importance of recognizing divine rules, the unconventional nature of God’s rewards, the predetermined end goal and prize, the vital role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, and the challenges posed by Satan.
LIFE AS A GAME
Definition:
A game is an activity that involves skill, knowledge, or chance, where participants strive to achieve a goal within a set framework of rules.
Biblical Context:
The Bible often uses the metaphor of a race or competition to describe the journey of faith. Paul writes:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
LIFE AS A REALITY SHOW
Definition:
A reality show is a type of television program that documents unscripted real-life situations, often featuring unknown individuals rather than professional actors.
Biblical Context:
The Bible highlights the public and observable nature of our lives.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
PREDETERMINED RULES AND REGULATIONS
Definition:
Predetermined rules and regulations are established guidelines that dictate how participants should act to achieve success in a game or competition.
Biblical Context:
God’s commandments and teachings provide the framework for living a righteous life.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
UNUSUAL PACKAGES OF DIVINE REWARDS
Definition:
Divine rewards often come in unexpected forms that may not align with societal or religious expectations.
Biblical Context:
God’s ways and rewards can be surprising and unconventional:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8 – 9)
SOCIETAL AND RELIGIOUS VALUES VS. DIVINE EXPECTATIONS
Definition:
Societal and religious values are the norms and beliefs upheld by communities and religious institutions, which may sometimes conflict with God’s unique plans for individuals.
Biblical Context:
Jesus challenged the religious norms of His time, emphasizing a personal relationship with God over mere adherence to rules. He says:
“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)
PREDETERMINED END GOAL AND PRIZE
Definition:
The ultimate goal and reward of life are already determined by God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in following His path.
Biblical Context:
The Bible assures believers of an eternal prize prepared by God. Paul reflects on his life and mission:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Definition:
The Holy Spirit is given to God’s elect to guide and help them navigate life’s complexities, ensuring they reach their divine destination.
Biblical Context:
The Holy Spirit is essential for guidance and revelation.
“These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)
The Spirit of the Living God knows where the riches are hidden.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Romans 8:14)
THE DANGER OF WORLDLY WISDOM
Definition:
Relying on worldly wisdom in life’s game can lead to failure and frustration.
Biblical Context:
The Bible warns against trusting in human wisdom over God’s guidance.
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.” (1 Corinthians 3:19)
Total dependency on the Spirit is key. This dependency may make one appear irrational or even mad to others, but such “madness” is necessary to triumph over an opponent well-versed in the rules and principles of life.
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
SATAN AS THE STRONG MAN
Definition:
Satan is the strong man guarding the entrance to the house where our prizes and rewards are stored, creating trials and temptations as we proceed to access our next level.
Biblical Context:
The Bible speaks of binding the strong man to access what has been held back. Jesus explains:
“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.” (Matthew 12:29)
Trust Satan to come at us with attacks, especially mind games. However, God has given us authority over him. Reminding us of Jesus’ victory:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
RELIGION AS A HINDRANCE
Definition:
Religion, including Christianity, can be manipulated by the enemy to distract and mislead God’s people from pursuing their divine purpose and winning the ultimate prize.
Biblical Context:
Paul warns about the deceptive nature of religious practices that do not align with the true Gospel. Paul wrote:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL PREPARATION
Definition:
Mental and emotional preparation is crucial for approaching life’s field of play, as the opponent and enemy will manipulate our emotions to knock us out of the way.
Biblical Context:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional resilience. Paul instructs:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)
James 1:2-4 also highlights the role of trials in developing perseverance and maturity:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
GOD’S MIRACLES AND LAST-MINUTE TIMING
Definition:
God’s miracles often come at the last minute, when we least expect them, to keep fair-weather friends of Christ at bay.
Biblical Context:
God’s timing is perfect and serves to test and strengthen our faith. As it is written:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
God’s last-minute miracles emphasize the need for trust and reliance on Him. Jesus says:
“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
CONCLUSION:
Viewing life as a game or reality show with predetermined rules and an end goal helps us understand the importance of following God’s guidelines. The Bible encourages us to strive for eternal rewards, which often come in unexpected ways. By focusing on divine expectations rather than societal or religious norms and by relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, we can navigate life’s challenges and receive the rewards God has in store for us. Reminding us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3: 23 – 24)
Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Priscilla Otuya is the Presiding Bishop of the House of Regents Ministries and the President,
United Gospel Churches Association of Nigeria. (UGCAN)
+234 803 393 1163
