Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - Staying Alive in a Game of "Killer" - #2803

"Killer" - that's the name of a game. When we used to take kids to the Jersey shore for a major youth conference, some of our staff taught them to play "Killer." "Isn't there enough violence in the world without Christian youth leaders teaching young people how to have more?" Really wasn't very violent and it really was for a purpose in a boardwalk environment where we wanted them to be sure to stay together.

The rules were simple, a few people were designated as assassins, they would "kill" you by marking your hand with a black magic marker and they can only get you when you're alone. The object was to be the last survivor. Well, this "assassin" on the loose was a tremendous encouragement to never go anywhere alone or the "killer" might get you. Actually, there might be a game of "killer" going on where you are.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Staying Alive in a Game of 'Killer.'"

Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Peter 5:8 - first, a little context from 1 Peter 4:8-10 . "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others." We've got a call to stay close to each other, to serve each other. A few verses later, a good reason is given.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." There's a killer and this is no game. The devil is looking for people he can attack and tear apart. And how does he select his victims? Just like any lion would.

In Africa, lions want gazelles for lunch. But they seldom attack them in the herd. Their plan is to wait until one gazelle strays away from the herd, or to try to get one away from the herd. Once he's got his prey isolated from the herd, he can have that gazelle for lunch. Like the lion, the assassin in that game, this spiritual killer, wants to get you away from your herd, your people. He wants to isolate you so he can do what he wants with you.

And it's possible you're playing right into his hands right now. By drifting away from some people you need to be close to. If we tried to portray it as a picture, here's the circle of loved ones or spiritual brothers and sisters you've been in, may be your marriage partner, church, your family, believers who've supported you, your partners in ministry. At one point you were in the middle, drawing affection and support from them. But you got hurt or disappointed; maybe there's been some conflict; or you're just quietly drifting out of that circle you need to be in the middle of.

You're spending a lot of time alone - at least emotionally; keeping things bottled up, you're feeling more depressed and isolated, you're farther from people, maybe even getting farther from God. Your heart is turning harder. Do you see what's happening? The devil is poisoning your close relationships to isolate you for the kill. Don't let it happen!

Go back; build a bridge back to them; tear down whatever walls have started to develop, swallow your pride, if necessary. Get back to some people you can share with, pray with, cry with. You're not built to go it alone. The devil knows that. Don't let him isolate you anymore.