The Tray Game
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." James 1:22-25
Insight
Maybe it's because I love games, or perhaps it's because I love teaching, but I can't help but think of the tray game when I hear this verse. I'm sure there is a more formal name to the game, but I remember playing with a plastic tray, much like the one's lunch was served on back in elementary school. Random items filled the tray, and you would have one minute to stare and attempt to memorize its contents before a timer would go off. Someone would then cover the tray, and you would try to list all the objects you could remember. Or they would remove 1-2 items from the tray, and you would then race to guess which items were missing.
The competitive side of me was incredibly focused and determined to remember every single object. I loved the challenge and the excitement of the game, but as they added more items to the tray, the game always got harder and harder, and eventually, I would lose track of the items in front of me.
Sometimes we can look at our relationship with God in a similar way. We may have the best of intentions and be determined to remember all the things, but if you are anything like me, as life gets busy and more things begin to pile up on my to-do lists, I start to lose track of the things I've heard from God.
I may have read an outstanding devotion first thing in the morning; I may have had a great time of prayer and felt connected with God. But then, my dog gets out of the fence just as I'm trying to feed my kids breakfast, and next, I get an email about something noteworthy at work, and then, I receive a text message about an obligation next week needing my attention. By lunchtime, I can't remember that perfect devotion I read. By dinnertime, I'm running from thing to thing in my mind, and the peace I experienced earlier is completely gone. By the time I lay down for bed, I realize I haven't acknowledged God all day, and I quickly promise to do better tomorrow. I can follow in this cycle, promising this day will be different, promising that I will try harder or be more determined not to forget.
Here's the thing though, our relationship with God is not like the tray game. Our relationship with God is motivated by something completely different. It isn't merely memorizing and knowing all the right answers; it's the love of our Father that compels us to see things differently. Verse 25 tells us to look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. When we truly see God for who He is, a loving, kind, just, and merciful God, THAT is where we find true freedom. It is no longer a drive to memorize all the rules and do everything right. Instead, our obedience becomes an outpouring of love secured in a relationship with Him.
Reflection
Where is distraction currently getting the better of you?
What compels and motivates your obedience to Christ?
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for being real and personal, and faithful. I pray that you would awaken my heart not merely to hear Your word and go about my day, but to see You in a way that compels every part of me to seek You. Lord, I pray that I wouldn't wish away the distractions of life, but You would show me how to bring You into those moments instead. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
Katie Robinson, Treasure Island's Curriculum Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.
