A few months ago, a friend introduced a fascinating game called Minecraft. It’s a sandbox style game. This means the game is open and there are no set goals. You just build whatever you can imagine. There is also an online multiplayer version. Be forewarned, this game is quite addictive. It was for me.
After a couple of months of endlessly playing Minecraft, I felt a strong need to take a break from this game. As I sought to recommit myself, I began asking “How am I serving Jesus, with this game?” The problem is not Minecraft; rather it is how I was using the game.
It was not long before I asked my friend this very same question. “How are you using Minecraft to glorify Jesus?” The other day, I repeated this question on the main Minecraft forum. What was their replies? Socialize. Have fun and model Jesus through our behaviors. If the opportunity comes; I’m sure some would share the good news of what God has done.
Here is what Scripture says:
13-18If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God. [1 Peter 3:14-16]
Wait a second! Is this guy talking about using a game to serve God? Yes, I am and it’s no stranger than God asking a shepherd to deliver Israel from Egypt. How about a guy who was pressing wheat in a wine-press? You’ll probably recognize the first man. It is Moses. Who’s the other guy? His name is Gideon:
11-12One day the angel of God came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites. The angel of God appeared to him and said, “God is with you, O mighty warrior!”
13 Gideon replied, “With me, my master? If God is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t God deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.”
14 But God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”
15 Gideon said to him, “Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel? Look at me. My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter.”
16 God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.” [Judges 6:11-16]
Did you read the last sentence? The Father told Gideon two things. The first is to use what Gideon already has. Secondly, God promised to be with Gideon and help him, to defeat a powerful army. Here is something to consider.
If I seek to serve my Father then I can expect help. It’s not about me. It’s about how I am serving the King of Glory. We serve through our conducts when engaging the people. We serve Jesus through our actions. See 2 Cor 5:18-20:
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
However, if I seek only to serve myself and gratify my foolish ego then I most certainly can’t expect my Father to be involved. It is pride that I speak of and God will not have a part with such a thing.
What do you have in your hand? How are you serving Jesus? What are you willing to let God use for His Kingdom?
If you are thinking that I’m advocating singing a worship team, leading a youth group, conduct Bible study or serving in the nursery then think again. These are things that occurs once ore twice a week. How about on a regular basis?
I know of a few wonderful people who do the above and more. They don’t just serve on Sunday. They serve Jesus in a variety of other areas, too.
One person is the youth leader at United Methodist in Manahawkin and has his own art studio – Blair Goold Art. Blair is a landscape artist who will use the natural scenery found in the southern part of New Jersey. He’s focused on the job of painting and trust that the Father will use it. Blair is serving Jesus, both inside his church and outside it.
I have another friend, who is a dedicated artist and goes to Shore Vineyard. While she is a capable singer, Ria is committed to serving Jesus through the arts. Ria Mignano is a talented painter in her own right and has an art studio called “Heaven’s Artistic Realm. She gets her ideas from divine inspiration. From what I’ve seen, God has not failed to give things to paint.
As I started this post by mentioning Minecraft, it makes sense to end it there. I came across a series of videos tutorials on how to play Minecraft. From what I’ve seen, Paul Soares Jr. (paulsoaresjr) seems dedicated to providing family friendly videos that his kids and others can enjoy.
How does Paul do this? If you ever watch his videos, you’ll notice three main things. First, the man is a very good storyteller. Paul is no actor; he just has a talent for telling entertaining stories. The second item is seen in the absence of something. You generally won’t hear foul language coming from Paul.
The last item comes from how he acts with his wife and kids. I’m sure Paul’s family would say that he’s not perfect and who is. Yet, one can see that Paul is seeking to be a good role model when on camera.
I should point out that I don’t know Paul or if he’s a Christian. Yet, it would appear that Paul is serving Jesus with what’s in his hands. All the Father requires is a willing heart to use what’s in your hand.
What’s in your hand? Are you willing to let God use what you have and bring about changes? You may be surprised with what God is interested in helping you with.
It’s not all about planting orphanages in South America. This is a beautiful goal and yet it’s not the only one. How about being a good father to your kids and letting other people see it?
What is in your heart? What is already in your hand?
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