i was thinking this morning at breakfast that achievement points are very similar to 'works' in the christian faith. that is, most non-catholic christians believe God has saved them (and all of us) by dying for us, and there is nothing, not one single thing, we are able to do to earn this gift. there is no 'work' (feeding the homeless, going to church every sunday, etc...) we can do to earn God's grace.

and this is where the xbox 360's achievement point system is very similar to the christian faith. some gamers out there earn the achievments for bragging rights. same thing for some christians...they do a lot of 'good things' in order to show everyone how great they are, how spiritual they are. they do good deeds for the bragging rights. or they think they're a 'better gamer' for having the mst points. just like some christians. some gamers don't care about achievements. they simply want to enjoy the game. same for some christians. they don't make an effort to help those who need it. they are good people, who love, but they don't 'do' a whole lot to help those around them. they just enjoy life (the game) simply for what it is. and then there are some gamers who go for achievements in some games, but not others. the games they really love, are truly interested in are the games that drive them to get all the achievements. not for bragging rights, not because they are supposed to...but just because it's what they want to do. (for me, this was the orange box.) and same thing for some christians. they love Jesus so much, they go out and help people. they have so much love, they want to share it. they want other people to know how awesome Jesus and God are. they have a genuine love and interest in these things, and this naturally leads them to do 'good deeds' in order to express that love. not because they are supposed to, not for bragging rights, but simply because it's what they want to do.

ultimately achievement points are pointless. there is no reason to keep score as to who plays video games the best. points are no way to judge who had the most fun. when you see someone with a ton of points, you probably think they either have too much time on their hands, they are far too serious about video games, or they are just really into getting points for the hell of it. but ultimately, those points don't matter. they don't really tell you anything about that person. not really. and i think that's how God views christians. we are trying to earn points. to show Him how awesome we are at playing the game, being christians. but God doesn't care about those points. he cares about the reason behind the points. if two people both go for points because they truly have a love for doing so, He doesn't care who has more. if someone doesn't go for points, but just enjoys knowing Him on a personal level, He still loves them. if someone goes for points for bragging rights, He still loves them, as misguided as they are.

achievements points themselves are meaningless...what's meaningful, what says something about you is WHY you get them. or don't get them. regardless...we all end up with SOME points. some meaningless points. and if everyone has something that's meaningless, then everyone is equal. and I think that's how God see all of us.

(quick note....i'm well aware my past two journal entries have been about being drunk, or not drunk enough. let me just say that as a christian, i'm not perfect. i screw up and make mistakes. and i also have a small problem with drinking too much. it's one of many problems i have. it's also something i've been working on and getting better at. and God is right there, helping em out the whole way. no doubt.)