Rachel Fisher, Children’s Ministries Communications Specialist

Acts 8:18-23 (NIV)
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Reflection:
My family has always loved board games, but during this time of distance loving, we have really leaned into our vast collection from my childhood. Games that had not seen the light of day in a decade have become Saturday night staples. This family time mixed with a heap of nostalgia has provided a highly coveted sense of security. All had been relaxed and reassuring….until a new game was introduced…

A few weeks ago, my sister brought home Settlers of Catan, THE game all cool kids play in 2020. Fellow board game aficionados frequently recommended it to me and were usually aghast to discover I had never played. Alas, if we were to continue referring to ourselves as “Board Game People,” we needed to be indoctrinated into the Catan Club.

Things started out…okay. My sister — having played it once before — gave us an overview of the rules and strategies. We began our conquest, and all was well…until a card was pulled that allowed me to steal my mom’s reserves. She confidently replied that I was out of luck because she had a card to combat my attack! …Except that card did not apply to my move, my sister explained with reluctance. My mom, understandably upset by the crippling blow of my offense, broodingly handed over her cards. 

It was then my turn, and once more, I attempted a move that was moot because what I wanted to do was actually illegal gameplay. In a huff, I vocalized that I did not understand why we could not just bend the rules a bit, just this once, because it was our first time playing.

How often do we utter something along those lines? If you are like me, I frequently find myself trying to morph outcomes to fit my own narrative, compromising my character in exchange for smoother sailing. For Simon, money was a cheap price to pay compared to what was actually being asked of him. But similar to Catan, there is no budging when it comes to being a Christian. Jesus makes that very clear. Follow his commands: love God and love people. That is it. There is no other way.

Acting as Peter, my sister stood her ground and insisted we play by the rules. Despite a few bumps in the road, we made it through the game and had a blast. Sure, it would have been simpler to tweak the method, but the slippery slope of accommodation is a sure-fire path toward sin. The process of learning (and unlearning) is messy, but how else do we grow? How else do we earn the trust of others? When we are unable to unequivocally define our values, our identity shifts from a faithful follower to a chaotic cheater. Christ promises a new life with him, but we have to be willing to play by the rules, no matter what. 

Prayer:
God of Heaven and Earth, help us to never forget your character. You are good and just, faithful, and forgiving. Lead us to all that is holy, giving us the strength required to never leave the light of your love.