Millions are going crazy over Pokemon Go. Even people who say it’s a silly game are hooked and can’t get off it.
The basic thread of the game is for players to go around looking for virtual creatures called Pokemon in order to capture them. A Pokemon can appear anywhere at any time. The picture above is one I took inside my car (while I was parked) of a Zubat that was flying by the passenger seat.
Pokemon mania is sweeping millions and if you’ve joined the fray I want to share with you two ideas on how to win at Pokemon.
The strategy I’m sharing is not about how to catch the elusive creatures but about how to make the most of your time while hunting them down.
Everything you and I do involves a mindset. You can either go on a Pokemon hunt, spend hours at it, and end up with nothing more than virtual reality monsters stored somewhere in your phone or you can do that and something of value at the same time. I’d rather choose the latter (if I had the hours to give it).
I heard of a pet shelter who challenged anyone looking for Pokemon in their community that day to walk their pets at the same time. Seventy people responded!
In your brain (and mine) there’s something called the the limbic system. It interprets the emotional value of incoming stimuli. Depending on the limbic system’s interpretation of the stimuli, it either opens or closes access to the cortical function in the higher parts of the brain. https://www.envisionexperience.com/blog/the-science-of-learning-part-3-how-emotion-and-mindset-affect-learning#sthash.5ouc9g2M.dpuf
I’m not sure what all that means but if you add spiritual stimuli to your Pokemon exercise it can all become a spiritually growing experience.
You’re thinking, “Jorge, have you gone mad? Too many pork rinds finally clogged the blood flow to your cerebrum.” Hear me out.
I challenge you, as you seek out your next Pokemon, keep before you the thought that God wants you to seek Him with all your heart as well. God said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)
The repeated idea that seeking God (while you are seeking Pokemon) is important will eventually stick and help you make Him your life’s priority.
Also, what if the next time you catch a Pokemon and experience the thrill of victory, you remember that God wants you to enjoy victories in Christ? Never forget that by faith you are more than a conqueror in anything you face!
Hey, enjoy the virtual reality of Pokemon but pair it up with the continued thought that in real life you are favored by God, loved, and triumphant. From there, a positive outcome will ensue.
Anticipating God’s visible and invisible blessings will keep you excited about the prospect of the future.
God put the idea out there for us to grab and run with: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
As I wrap up this blog I have 2 confessions to make. First, I was not able to catch that Zubat that appeared flying where my wife usually sits. Bummer! Second, I am not addicted to Pokemon Go, in fact I just started playing. But I am addicted to Jesus! He is more exciting that anything virtual out there or anything else for that matter.
What’s your thought on Pokemon Go? Please leave me a comment.