During the 1970s, a game called THE OREGON TRAIL presented the opportunity to experience challenges on an imaginary journey across early America. Around the same time, children’s authors formulated a book series originally called “ADVENTURES OF YOU.” Like the floppy disk version of choosing which adventure to undergo virtually on the Oregon Trail, these books allowed young readers to actively control the outcome of whatever escapade they faced. Each decision brought about a very different conclusion to the story.
While we might chuckle at the entertainment found in floppy disks and pre-planned written adventures, those early experiences — as well as today’s virtual games — have applications beyond one moment in time.
The choices made in a virtual game or imaginary story resulted in very specific consequences. Decisions made about sickness, food, weather, or bandits could lead to digital death in the Wild West. Selecting one ending over another in the written adventure guaranteed a different outcome every time you opened the book.
An adventure formulated solely around us, whether digitally, on paper, or in real time, may seem exciting at first, but what happens when you’re faced with a decision and choose poorly? Did you not realize that killing the oxen to feed your starving family meant you were now trapped on the Oregon Trail? Were you unaware that choosing one ending over another would bring you to a less-than-happy conclusion?
Scripture is filled with guidance related to real-life choices — for those willing to listen. Proverbs 9:10-12 reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Jesus prayed that His Father would reveal Truth to the disciples, clarifying that God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17-26) and that He and the Father were one (John 10:30; 14:6).
To deal with the uncertainties of life, we cannot rely on human discernment: we must turn in faith in a God Who has shown Himself to be exactly Who He claims to be.
Don’t risk your eternity on a “choose-your-own-adventure” life. Call on the Expert — He stands ready to share His wisdom (James 1:5-8).
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