By Mike Riley
Do you remember how as children we used to play like we were something that we were not? We’d say, “Let’s play like we’re cowboys,” or “Let’s play like we’re firemen,” or “Let’s play like we’re policemen.”
It was not strange that we as children lived in a fantasy world from time to time. There was no reason for our parents to be disturbed because we spent so much time “playing like” we were someone else.
But now that we are grown, most of us with families of our own, it is high time for us to be concerned if we are continuing to play like we are something we are not. Far too many of us approach Christianity as it were a “game” in which we can “play like” we are Christians. And it is not a serious matter because when any requirement of living the Christian life conflicts with our own desires, we quickly close our eyes, shut our ears, and simply ignore that requirement, all the while still thinking that we are good Christians. We need to remember that we can “deceive” ourselves (James 1:22).
It is evident that many are “playing like” they are Christians. When one is off and on in their church attendance, haphazard in their giving, and neglectful in their service to God, one is “playing like” he or she is a Christian. Living the Christian life is a very serious thing. Tomorrow is not promised to us (James 4:13-15). Let us be sure that we are not “playing like” we are Christians. True New Testament Christians are not deadheads, nor are they inactive, complacent, indifferent, or lukewarm. They are filled with zeal and enthusiasm for the Lord (Titus 2:11-14). The question is – are you? Don’t “play like” you are a Christian – be a true one!
Let’s remember Paul’s admonition, “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).