This page and initial blog post is given from a "Peripheral Perspective." To be peripheral is to serve as an extension of a central object for the purpose of making that object more effective. I clearly recall times growing up when I was really into video games. Anyone who has played a video game before knows that there is a device known as a controller that must be in the hands of the gamer before any of the action can begin. The controller must be manually connected to the gaming console or, in the case of a wireless, must be within a relatively close proximity of the gaming system in order to have any control over the outcome of the game. While playing, I would often become frustrated over the fact that I could not play the game at whatever distance I chose. Even wireless remotes that have a more liberal range of motion are still limited to specific boundaries. In essence, the controller is peripheral to the central source of power. Apart from a sustained connection to this central source, its purpose is completely nullified and so is the gamer’s ability to determine the outcome.
I grew up playing video games like "Super Mario Brothers." What you would typically see in games such as "SMB" is two sides. Good and bad. Mario versus Bowser. The way the gamer played the game would ultimately determine which side would prevail. Unfortunately, many gamers cry uncle due to the mental battles that role playing games like "SMB" can present. The levels can get very tough and are certainly not for the faint of heart. On the flip side of this coin, thousands upon thousands of others have played the very same game, defeated Mario's archnemesis Bowser, and experienced an unwavering sentiment of virtual victory. It is critical to note that the way those people played the game does not predicate the way you will play the game. That is to say that their outcome won't dicatate your outcome.You have to decide whether or not you're going to let that overwhelming ledge at the end of the third level get the best of you, or if you will persist until victory has been achieved. With the exception of robots you won't beat the game the first time around. The cool part about video games is that you will be given the option to go back and beat the level that threw you into a mental disarray at your own discretion. So what's the catch? You must keep the controller in your hand and stay connected to the gaming system. The point at which you are defeated is the point at which you turn the system off, eject the controller, and call it quits. This failure has now become fatal because it has compelled you to quit.
In John 15:5 Jesus says this,
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Crititcal clarification: life is not a video game. However, just as the controller is peripheral to the console, you and I are peripheral to Christ. Apart from a close proximity to Jesus, our long term plans and attempts to make a difference in life will ultimately fail. You will inevitably encounter levels of life that are both unforeseen and unwanted. The question is, “what will you be connected to when those difficult levels show up?” Connection to the ways of the world will disarm connection to the things of Christ. Once you throw in the towel on God, the game is over and so is your life. It will always be easier to give up and go home or simply manipulate reality in such a way that argues “Christ is peripheral to me.” This is the very lie that I hope you will avoid at all costs! The product of falling into its snare is anger and frustration towards God. You will find yourself basing your expectations of God off of rules that were actually made by you. When you make the rules, fellowship with God is impossible.
Maintain your peripheral postion In Christ and Satan will have his work cut out for him the next time he attempts to knock you off balance.
