The Game

We are now left with another series of conundrums; for if life is not real in the eternal sense, then everything is rendered obsolete or redundant. Life is like a complex board game, where we, the pieces, have specific roles and characteristics, where the ‘laws of science’ and ‘human values’ provide the bizarre and everchanging rules. Indeed, we are taught that destiny is in our own hands that we must concentrate and try harder whenever we cast the die. Little mention is made of the fact that few of us get a chance to even throw the die and that even then it is loaded against us, thus the pretence of fairness is maintained.

Ambition which is considered a noble and eloquent virtue is simply a means of stacking the odds in our favour as we compete against our fellow man. This idea allows people to ‘cheat’ such that it would seem quite illogical and complete folly, to ‘turn the other cheek’; for how on earth could one win if you were to employ such tactics. To relinquish wealth, risk one’s health and welfare for others is way of effectively abandoning the game, of ‘folding’ and throwing in one’s cards. This of course is not the same as losing, for to lose one has to at least play the game, therefore by not partaking, it frustrates those in authority for in order to win someone has to lose. So, they encourage the fallen to carry on playing, by insincere gestures and phrases, in a deceitful way of ‘consoling’ all those who fail; while at the same time preventing them gaining access to the essential ingredients of success. The second puzzle is finally solved; the meaning of life is to recognise that there is a higher dimension to our reality that only comes about by allowing the Spirit within us to bloom even at the expense of our own ‘self’ or identity.

There is of course a burden to any new knowledge, a need to share the ‘great secret’ with our fellow man. Some think that this involves a form of wisdom that is so intricate and special that it demands respect and admiration; the hope is that they could change people’s thoughts even to the extent of ‘rescuing’ them. Of course, the danger with this view is that it is an earthly one. People do not ‘do what is right’ simply because they don’t know any different, they do not ‘do what is right’ because they choose to do what they want or lack the power to do the right thing. Even if one gives people the true ‘treasure map’ they see themselves at a different and usually a more advantageous starting point and would still choose a different goal as their treasure is often an earthly one.  Having gained this ‘wisdom’ or ‘success’ they would welcome admiration or undying devotion from the adoring crowd and in so doing become the idol or leader of their newfound disciples. In truth, none of us needs a new teacher but we do need to reveal a much simpler truth, one of love and kindness because these can change people’s hearts, such that they then begin to recognise God’s fingerprint in the world and the genuine essence of life.