Often in video games, a prescribed route has been created for the player to follow in order to advance the story, reach the next objective, and ultimately complete the game. This route isn’t always obvious, but there are clues to look for like brightly lit paths or blinking lights. Sometimes even subtle (or not-so-subtle) arrows point the way. When a certain direction is crucial to the forward movement of the story, the player is forced ahead with a slippery slope or a collapsing floor.

One of the things I enjoy when I play video games like this is purposely not following the specified path. At least not right away. Instead, I love exploring the corners and nooks in every other direction.

Game designers recognize this compulsion and reward curiosity by hiding little treasures in overlooked places, called Easter eggs. Sometimes the hidden gems take a lot of work and ingenuity to find and acquire. But often the items are valuable in the game and can be used in some way to make later challenges easier.

This is somewhat true in real life as well. Our culture has a path planned for me with neon signs and blinking lights. It is constantly telling me I need to buy more things, have more stuff, and replace anything outdated with the newest shiniest model. And I have to look young no matter what, dress in the latest style, and strive to meet the current definition of beautiful. Society says that if I look good, have lots of shiny toys, and give off a confident arrogance, I have succeeded. I’m winning the game.

But this path is not the right path for followers of Jesus. Jesus said to ignore the beckoning neon lights on the path of worldly success and achievement. Instead I need to stop and listen for His quiet voice, saying, “This is the way.”

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Jesus’s path is plain and overlooked, away from the blinking neon arrows. His path takes me in a different direction from the crowds clamoring toward wealth, greed, power and fame. The world’s advertised path looks like success, but it is really a dead end. To reach the true prize in the game of life, the narrow path of obedient, selfless love is the only way to go.

Dear God, thank you for your word that teaches all about the right way to play the game of life. Remind me to ignore the persistent call to seek worldly success and pleasure. Show me how to step forward on your path of life and love today.