I gritted my teeth as my twelve year old daughter grinned at me exuberantly. I had lost another game of Connect 4.
Somehow, oblivious to the positions of her red counters, I had allowed Sarah to yet again place one in a slot that meant she had a diagonal line of four in a row. Looking at the plastic board, I could see my pathetic array of yellow counters blocked by hers as soon as there was just two of mine lying together. Even when it was ‘my serve’ (the one who starts first should have an advantage), I found that instead of being on the attack, I was just constantly in defence, trying to block where she was planning to go. The score was now 18-1 and there was no indication from her that she wanted a rest.
“Let’s play again!” she proposed, as the 44 counters crashed downwards into the tray.
“Er…I’m tired.” I replied, trying not to show my annoyance as my pride and competitive streak were being attacked on every side.
She insisted she wanted another game and went on to beat me another four rounds.
Over the following weeks, Sarah followed me around the house with the board in her hands. I’d be in the kitchen washing a pile of dishes.
“Game?” A blue board was shoved in my face as I tried to rinse a plate.
“Game?” I was on the desktop computer trying to send an email and all I could see was her hands holding…that blue board.
Importunate as ever, she followed me to the bathroom.
“Look! You’ve already beaten me 56 times, aren’t you satisfied that you’re better than me? Haven’t I told you enough times that you are the Connect 4 Champion? You’re fantastic, okay? Now, please leave me to go to the toilet in peace.”
As I dried my hands on the towel, I could hear plastic clanky noises from outside the door.
A week later, things changed. We played another few rounds, but Sarah was not so eager to continue. Her smile had turned to narrow-eyed vexation. Ten games in, she decided that was quite as enough for one week.
So, what prompted this abrupt change of heart?
I had finally gotten used to her strategy and the clever moves that used to bring her victory, didn’t work for her anymore.
I tried not to look smug as I read out the score: “So, that’s, 8-2… to me!”
Wow, it makes so much difference when we are aware of what our opponent is up to!
Jesus has given us a game-plan to beat the devil. This enemy of our souls never tires trying to beat us daily and drag us down. One of his biggest schemes is to get us over-focusing on ourselves and our circumstances until we have no hope.
Having no hope leads to discouragement and discouragement unchecked, leads to depression, which is closely linked to hopelessness. Then he’s won.
We don’t have to let him have the victory. Jesus has already given us a way out:
…get to know your enemy’s tactics so you can not only block his every move, but also be on the attack yourself.
Be sober, well balanced and self-disciplined, be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion – fiercely hungry, seeking someone to devour. (1Peter 5:8)
So, submit to the authority of God. Resist the devil; stand firm against him and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
In the meantime, beware of any child that approaches you, asking if you’d like to play a few rounds of their favourite game. Your ego may be in for a thrashing!
