A Challenge for each of you

[Red Baron]

Now I know someone posted a prayer/challenge in a section in regards to asking each of us to spread the gospel to one person on XBL a day. This post is not at all against that, it is a different challenge, but I still encourage people who can to take on that challenge and spread the Lord's glory with love and understanding.

But I wanted to encourage you all and challenge you to do something a little bit different. We say that we show the Lord in us through our fruit formed by the Holy Spirit and so I call on you to produce fruit and show the Lord. I am asking every single one of you, in every game you play on Xbox Live, to say "Good game" to every player in the game at the end. Now a lot of us do this regularly, but I call you to go a step beyond doing this to the nice guys. We are called to love our neighbor, but also to love our enemies(Matt 5). So I ask you to not only to say good game to the other team when you win, but when you lose. Not only when it is a close game, but EVERY game regardless of how bad you win or how bad you lose. Not only if they are "nice" players, but even if they are NOT. I am calling you to rise above the other people on XBL, and say "good game" to those who "t-bag" you or trashtalk you.

Now if you are in a post game lobby and the other team backs out, or starts trash talking, I call upon you all to back out and go down to your recent player's list and send a text message to each of them just with 2 words: "Good game." If you play an FFA (especially if you are like me and leave your mic out), then back out and send them a message saying "Good game."

Xbox Live is ridden with people who want to be disrespectful and simply "unloving" at any chance they can. We are called to be the light, and light among more light is unrecognizable; we are called to be the light in the darkness so HE can be shown through us. So i call upon you to show your inner light, do not hide it, but show it among the darkness that is around us.

I personally began this idea 2 or 3 days ago now. I have got an overwhelmingly positive response with "gg" messages in return. I have gotten I think 3 friend requests. Now I am not even asking you to try and recruit them or anything. I am calling you to merely show your FRUIT and through our fruit they will come. They will see that we as Christians can be "Christ-like." Those who want to show their inner darkness, show them back that no matter how much they squeeze these Christians, we will show them Love, we will show them CHRIST!

Thank you.
-Baron

PS: Please also spell out "good game." If they reply with anything other, discard it. If they are rude in reply, ignore it. We are called to be the light, so do not give in.

[K1ngko]

I agree Baron, I need to work on this big time.

We can always show Jesus a no matter what we are doing. We must remember that video games are trivial things in light of eternity. Let us all come into each game with the mindset that we must honor and glorify Jesus. Good Game is an excellent way of making new friends and being able to open the door to sharing Christ and allowing others to hear the Good News.

[vVSalvationVv]

There is a lot of wisdom in this challenge, I have always tried to do this and I believe it is in the GBG mission statement as well, I hope everyone will take this to heart.

[Red Baron]

Thank you Kingko and Salvation. I may so often disagree with much of what you say, but I am glad we all can work together on something like this. I am honored to be brothers with you both.

[K1ngko]

I tried this today is some MLG FFA and Team MLG. I am pleased to say about 20% of the people responded with a "gg" back and I even ended up playing with the same people again so it made games much more enjoyable. Lets keep at this thing and start an XBL revolution

[Night Adversary]

Way ahead of you guys

...but, that's not to say I haven't dished out my share of it, but as of late I've been sure to have good sportsmanship.

This is a very good idea

[M3RLIN]

This very challenging, especially being intimidated by other players on XBL. (public lobbies) Last night I did get the chance to meet 2 GBG members and play 1 1/2 maps with them. (On Core not Hardcore) At the end of the game they said "Good Game" to the other team. For me it was tough to even get them words out. Being the silent type anyhow.

[HipMrMario]

I try to do this as much as possible its bound to put a smile on someones face.

[Shaaww]

I try... but sometimes well.. I cant bring myself to do it. But when its a legitimate game and competitive and fun, win or lose-I always do =)

[Red Baron]

Legitamate or not we must do it. I was trying so hard to find the scripture that represented what I wanted and I came across it again last night.

15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Now I am fully aware that this is in regards to giving a reason for our faith, but I feel this is applicable to all our actions. "those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander"--Let them try and attack you, let them be ashamed of their slander. "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." If we are to be made fun of or yelled at (for that's about the worst than can do on XBL) it is better for it to be for doing good (saying good game) than for doing evil (trashtalking back).

Remember, we are called to be the light amongst the darkness. Let the others be ashamed of their slander, but have "good behavior in Christ" regardless. Stand strong my brothers.