Game Show Theology

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."



I love this scripture. I love it because it has a wonderful yet overlooked truth in it. I don't think I'm alone in loving it. I think there are many out there that are drawn to it, though perhaps not for the same reasons. I think one reason people like it so much is because it talks about reward. People like rewards.



It's like being on a game show. You can win stuff. First there's the blender, but if you can answer the right questions you might be able to trade it in for a car. Sometimes you don't even have to answer a question, just take a gamble between what's behind door number 1 and door number two.



You learn a lot about people watching those shows. I admit I've watched a few, though not many. It's just not my thing. But I've watched enough to know people like to win stuff and sometimes they're willing to go to all sorts of lengths to do so.



This verse may seem a bit "game showy" to some. There's a reward, perhaps a slew of them and there's the key to winning them- faith. Religious movements have been started, millions of books written, and men and women have found fame from the game show application of this verse. "With just a little faith you can have a new house, a new car, maybe even a vacation for two in romantic Italy....." That's with just a little bit of faith, imagine what could be done with a lot.



Unfortunately, actually fortunately, that is not what the writer of Hebrews is communicating to us. He is not giving us the key to winning the heavenly game show. He is telling us something so much simpler and yet so much more profound. Yes faith will win you a reward, but what reward?



Notice what it says, "because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." You get rewarded with what you are seeking for. In other words, God is the reward! We don't seek him to get a new house, new cars, or a vacation anywhere. We seek him to find him!



Jesus taught us this same principle when he said, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:45-46). God is the pearl; He is not the currency. The man sold all he had so he could possess the pearl. In doing so he revealed the value he placed on the pearl and that which he placed on everything else.



What are you seeking for? Is God what you desire or are you simply using him to get to other things you really want? What value do you place on him? Is he the treasure you seek, or the currency you use to get the things you really love? Oh, they may not be cars or trips, perhaps its health, joy, and everlasting life.



Our Father is willing to give us Himself, for that is the greatest treasure he can give us. Do you want him or what's behind door number 2? Is that your final answer?