The Game

As I've fought the battles of this week, my mind has wandered down memory lane, reminiscing some of my previous fights for purity, for integrity. The pain of these past struggles has become more acute as I watch girls surrender in the same fights, exchanging the rules of integrity for the nonchalance of games. To some, life is just a game; insincerity raises the value; innocent hearts supply the currency; and avoiding exposure stands as the only rule. Yes, I am only too familiar with this setting: I've played the game and the beginning looks a little like this...

He's cute. He pays you a compliment. You're flattered. You want another one. But there's just something a little too atrocious about saying 'thank you' and leaving the rest up to the guy. No, that's much too simple. So you add just a touch more flirtation to your response -- something to give a little edge to the situation and offer a little encouragement. And it doesn't stop there. The next move requires a fishing line and plenty of hooks with seduction as bait. You like the way this guy talks to you, the way he makes you feel, so you'll want to keep him around with little regard to what it'll take to reel him in. Your flirtation earns additional flattery; and your returning flattery earns an element of seriousness from the cute guy. Of course, you brush off this seriousness and sincerity as useless and inconvenient. You're not after sincerity; your game would shatter as soon as sincerity began to play a role. However, the guy's seriousness doesn't fade -- he begins his own fishing, searching, wondering if you could be the girl of his dreams. He plays the fiddle and you dance to whatever tune he makes, drawing him in as you subtly suggest that you will play whatever hand he can deal you. Your performance improves with each song. The guy's impressed. His approval flatters you. And the game continues on a little while longer...

But only a little while: His approval transitions into action. He's being real. He's being sincere. And you freak. The game begins to collapse as the guys steps forward, attempting a victory over your heart, reaching for something deeper than flirtation and a merry dance. But there's a problem: there were never any suits of hearts in this deck -- at least not for you. His advancements in sincerity demand a progression in yours -- something you were never willing to give. It's a new tune, one you won't dance to. It's a game turned real. You fold. Things were never supposed to get so out-of-hand.

We've all been guilty of performing these scenes. And I'll be the first to admit that it's an act I've had plenty of experience in. That's why I recognize it in the lives of others so swiftly; believe me, I have all the lines memorized. Please do not mistake my ready admittance for pride. No, discussing my past rebellions pains me. It angers me. What right do I have to treat love, life, and people so flippantly? What exception do I possess that exempts me from God's standards of integrity? None. None whatsoever. I am guilty of toying with hearts, created and cherished by God. I am guilty of vandalism. I am guilty of tempting others into my games, leading hearts away from their Creator. I am guilty of theft. When I fold, when I disappear as the game comes to an end, I leave others crushed, hurt, and bleeding.

Life is anything but a game. Boys' hearts are so much more than a toy. They themselves are worth more than what your silly flirtation demeans them to be. Consider the earlier post, "Your Self-Worth"; what right do you have to play with something that God created, died for, and loves so dearly? Consider another one: "The Importance of Being Real"; what right do you have to cheapen your own ability of love and influence by playing games? None. None whatsoever. Life is not a game. This battle for purity is anything but surreal. Hearts are at stake. Your integrity, your character, and your own purity demand that you rise to their standards. Your Creator, your God demands that you hold yourself accountable as a princess and as a warrioress. The battle for your bodies, hearts, and minds will not cease as you play petty games. Pretending will not offer an escape from reality. And folding from one round only to enter into another will not save you from the consequences of toying with God and His creations. He will protect what He has made; He will fortify what He loves; He will honor His promise of vengeance. Do not set your sword against God or your stakes against His. To you, life may be a game, but to Him, life is a matter of love -- and love is a matter worthy of either life or death.

Remember that you are not bound to the circumstances or the games you create. Break the rules. Let yourself be caught; do not be afraid of exposure. Stick to your guns, hold fast to integrity, cling to honesty and purity, and know that Jesus will come to your rescue. He cherishes your heart. He will stop at nothing to protect it, even from yourself, even from your silly games. So, gear up for battle with confidence, but with reverence. The fight is real and your very life is at stake.