Whac-a-Mole

Since the mid-70s, Whac-A-Mole has been a fun amusement attraction. With a soft mallet, the object of the game is to hit the mole that pops up through the five to eight holes of the play area. Quick reactions translate to better scores. If you don’t hit a mole within a given time, it slinks back into the hole. The longer you play, the faster the moles appear, and the less time the mole is exposed, the farther along you can go in the game. Recently, in Sunday School, someone brought up walking in the Spirit so that when issues arise, big or small, you will not “gratify the desires of the flesh,” and my brain immediately went to this game. How does the classic game compare to a spirit-filled life?

1. Remain alert: Your life will always be full of challenges, but with the Holy Spirit, you are equipped to respond wisely. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful…”  Satan has access to you anywhere and everywhere. His lies are deceptive and appear attractive. But, they are poison. Be more prayerful when Satan is more active. Only God knows more than him and can take of you. You are never alone in your spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:11 “...that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” God sends us out equipped with everything that we need. We are not called to enter the battle because it already exists. You cannot stand against the attacks without the strength and protection of God.  He tells you to put on the whole armor of God.

2. Stay spiritually awake: This wakefulness is not about fear but about living in constant communion with God with the Holy Spirit as the guide. Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” When Peter failed to watch and pray in the garden, it is no wonder he later failed by denying Jesus. Developing a dependence on God can help you win the spiritual battle before the crisis shows up. 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm…” These succinct statements are like those of a military checklist, but they emphasize your Christian duty to watch out for division, false teachers, and a lack of love. 

3. Guard against attacks: Don’t be blindsided by the evil of the world. Ephesians 5 reminds you to make the “best use of your time.” Paul is encouraging you to make decisions that align with the truth and to use discernment in how you spend your energy. In Colossians 4, Paul encourages you to “continue steadfastly in prayer,” highlighting the importance of persistent and consistent effort. Don’t go into this world with rusty armor-tired and sleepy prayers. Rather, pray expecting answers to those prayers. 

When those pesky moles start appearing through the holes, be better prepared. Remain alert for the wiles of Satan so that when those “moles” pop up, you can grab that mallet and give that challenge a whack. Stay spiritually awake as you are equipped to respond as someone walking with the Spirit. If you turn your back on those moles, they will break through quicker than you expect.  As the game of Whac-A-Mole presents with a limited time to advance, your life should be lived intentionally to love and serve others for the time you are granted on this earth. Guarding against those attacks by investing your time appropriately will keep from leading you astray. Challenges arise often through the gaps in your armor, but quick reflexes and focus can help you deal with the struggles of life. Grab your mallet (Bible), and get to work.