By R.E. Olsen
Do you know what an NPC is?
It is a non-player character in a computer game such as Bethesda’s Skyrim.
Usually an NPC plays some sort of small part. Many times it is associated with giving the game player a mini task or adventure called a quest.
The Viva La Dirt League is a group of comedians that make internet content. One of their offerings is a series called “Epic NPC Man” where you can explore the world from the point of view of the non-player character.
Most of the time they are funny and sometimes poignant. Take, for example, the “Wood Cutter.”
This skit opens with a player accepting a quest from an NPC. The player leaves. The NPC is chopping down a tree. Then a second player approaches the NPC and begins asking questions.
(Warning to Parents: The language and situations in many VLDL skits are not suitable for children. They frequently blaspheme and thoughtlessly curse as well. However, this particular skit is not offensive.)
Watch the skit. Then read below.
I thought of this NPC as a sinner. His life is bound up in sin. His wood chopping is his futile existence working to satisfy desires that are fake.
What is sin? To sin essentially means to “miss the mark.”
We all miss God’s mark of righteousness, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The fall into sin has caused humankind to ignore and deny our Creator. Sin has affected our minds and causes our actions to become futile apart from Jesus Christ.
“You do not know Me or My Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew Me, you would know My Father as well” (John 8).
Satan holds us hostage through sin. Evil has a way of taking hold in a person’s life, and bad habits are hard to break.
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness” (Romans 6:8).
Jesus teaches us in the Bible that we have all broken God’s law, the Ten Commandments, and one day we will be judged according to these laws we have broken. Obviously not everyone is a murderer, but sin comes in many different forms.
Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything, regardless of its value? Have you ever hated anyone? Did you ever disobey your parents? Other types of sin include laziness, pride, anger, greed, envy, idolatry, lust, gluttony, substance abuse, etc.
What habitual sins are you caught up in? No matter how powerful sin feels in your life, Christ can set you free if you pray and seek Him.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus is trying to wake you up. You can break free from the bondage of sin. Please put down your burden and hand it to Him.
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