I'm talking about the game Candy Crush. I really enjoy playing this game. It's a great way to pass that lull time - you know, like when you're in the waiting room at the doctor's office. Or when you're on a long car trip (and not the one driving). Or dinner's not quite done and you have a few minutes. Or, dare I say, when you're on the toilet. Of course it's fun to play anytime, not just a lull time. And as addicting as it is, it can suck up hours of it. Thankfully, you've only got 5 lives at a time, so when they're gone, you're done for awhile (unless your sweet precious friends have gifted you lives.)
I commented to another friend recently, "I actually feel smarter after I've played it." I think that's because of the challenge to this game. It changes every level. See, I've played this other game called Bejeweled Blitz, where the goal is to match colored gems to achieve a high score. It never changes. Same game every time. But Candy Crush is different. It has the same "match" aspect, but the goal is different each game. For example, one level you might need to reach 100,000 points in 50 moves. The next you need to score so many points in 120 seconds. In another you need clear the board of "jelly." Don't reach the goal and the "You've failed!" pops up.
I thought once I'd gotten to level 100 the game would end, and here I am at level 132. A friend of mine is as level 233 and I learned there are 440 levels created thus far. I have a long way to go, and sometimes wonder if I'll ever get bored of it. But not yet...
Today I realized something as I was playing. Certain things that have value in the game, can be worthless depending on the goal. If the goal is to get so many points in one game, it may be worthless to clear jelly. If the goal is to bring a couple of pieces of fruit to the bottom of the screen from the top right, matches on the left are worthless. If the goal is to match a striped candy with a sprinkle-covered chocolate truffle, a bunch of powerful wrapped candies with explosive power are ignored. Meet the goal of that level is what gets you to the next ... even if sometimes takes days to achieve it.
It made me think about our goals as Christians. What exactly are we called to do here? According to Scripture we're to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them about Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20). We're to love each other (1 John 4:11). We're to care for orphans and widows (James 1:27). We're to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, welcome the stranger and visit the prisoner (Matt. 25:37-40). We're to obey God's commands (Deut. 13:4). We're to love our enemies (Luke 6:35). We're to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We're to believe in Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). Those, among others, are the goals of this level here on earth.
The rest of it - money, success, power, fame - is froth. It's not why we're here. It's not the goal of this level. They may be perks. In many instances, may even be hindrances. But our focus needs to be on the goals listed in the paragraph prior, or - like playing Candy Crush - we are truly wasting our time.
I want to be just like Jesus.
It's going to take days - every one He's given me here on earth. Lots of days of "You've failed!" for sure, but I'm going to get there. You will probably not see it while I'm here among you, but Jesus promises to meet me at the gates of Heaven, and it's through Him I will be presented flawless to my Father. Like those sweet friends of mine on Candy Crush - I will be gifted with new life.
That's the goal. And I'm going to keep on trying daily to achieve it. Cause I love Him. I'm ... addicted.
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14.
