As a veteran of almost every Mario title that’s been released over the years, I’ve learned an inconvenient truth… my skills playing as Mario in one of his side-scrolling adventures doesn’t automatically translate into capability in one of his other titles like Mario Kart, Mario Party, or Mario Tennis. While Mario seems to be gifted at a wide variety of pursuits, each of his spin-offs requires me to learn and demonstrate a unique set of skills that helps this plumber succeed equally at racing, archery, golf, and rescuing princesses from a giant angry turtle. Because he never knows what arena he’ll be competing in next, becoming a complete and well-rounded Mario demands proficiency in every area, not just the ones he prefers or naturally excels at.

The “fruits of the Spirit” are not a buffet for us to choose from, deciding which ones we prefer to specialize in… they are all necessary and complimentary demonstrations of a life fully submitted to Christ in every area. The Lord in His grace will use the unique opportunities we face in life to develop us in the places we need to grow in… not to punish us, but so we are able to display the full repertoire of His fruits in every type of environment and level of challenge we find ourselves in. Let’s look at today’s battles as a new skill to master with fresh fruit to unlock!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video games