After its release a week ago on mobile app stores, Pokémon Go! has taken the world by storm. I decided to download this trending game and I admit it is a ton of fun! I have never seen my town's square so busy with people walking around with intentions of catching cool Pokémon. To be honest, it is kind of exciting! The game is designed to inspire people to go outside, explore new places in one's community, and meet new people, all of which have been accomplished. I have influenced some of my friends (not in a bad way) to download Pokémon Go! and play, prompting me to help them get started and teach them tips and tricks.
A question hit me one day while absorbed in finding the neat virtual creatures: "How much of an influence could I be if I was as eager to reach lost souls as I am to catch new Pokémon?"
I do not see anything wrong with playing the game, but it should never come before doing the Lord's work!
One verse from the Bible that comes to my mind about this subject is Matthew 9:37: The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. This verse is also repeated in Luke 10:2, so I believe it must be pretty important to keep in mind!
Another passage of scripture I think of is Mark 16:15. Growing up, it was a verse I heard in almost every sermon and Bible class lesson, but it is very straight-forward and vital in our work for the Lord. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
(The above verses are from the mouth of Jesus Himself.)
As I wrap this article up, I will leave you all with a couple more passages, one of which is Genesis 42:1-2: (1) When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?" (2) And he said, "Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die." The grain here, which is corn, can have a deeper meaning. This passage shows Jacob's sons are starving yet distracted even though the corn is right in front of them ready for the taking! Let us not overlook any precious but lost souls.
Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Seek to serve and serve to save because WE are saved to serve!
If we look up from our phones, we can see those that need to be taught the Bible! As I have already mentioned, we must not place Pokémon above our great God! It is completely okay to have fun catching Pokémon while meeting new people, but let us not forget the purpose God has placed upon us as Christians!
God bless you all!
