Lately I've been playing a game called "Go." The rules are very basic, but the game itself is almost limitless in its complexity.
I enjoy the game a lot, however, since I began playing online, I've been losing all the time. And not just by a few points.
By hundreds.
As the failures added up, I could not help but feel slightly discouraged.
Then I heard of an ancient saying, told to new students of Go, "Lose 100 games as quickly as possible." Teachers of Go explain that when you begin playing, it's normal for you to feel completely lost. You have no idea where to play next; your opponent's move will completely confound you; you won't even be sure when the game is over.
This is the biggest reason people stop playing: bewilderment and anxiety.
The thought encourages the beginner to hang in there, play 100 games, and you will begin to have a feel for the basics.
I thought about how the Christian life can be a lot like that. As Jesus taught in the parable of the sower, how different seeds falling into different soil produces varied results.
"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means...The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away." Matthew 13:18-21 (NIV)
I keep playing Go because I see the value of the game.
Do we see the value of the life in Jesus that has been offered to us? Are we willing to stay with him, or do we quickly fall away?
