We have discussed gaining the right to play. Now we will turn our attention to developing the ability to play. As we said previously, the means of gaining the right to play and the means of gaining the ability to play are often much the same or overlap. But we present them in this manner for increased clarity.

The right to play means God has lifted the curse from us, at least for a season, and we are able to do things we enjoy while the painful tests and trials are held in abeyance.

The ability to play means we are free from passions of the flesh, self-seeking, and other bondages so we can enjoy the things, circumstances, and relationships God gives to us without idolizing, corrupting, or destroying them. Although pleasure and success have been withheld from us for a period of time, maybe many years, when they finally are given to us we are able to relax and enjoy them properly.

We have been in prison but we did not let ourselves become a prisoner.

Let's go on now to some of the factors involved in being able to play.

As is true of both the right and the ability to play, we must be changed into the moral image of Christ and brought into untroubled rest in the Father through Christ. Being changed into the image of Christ and entering rest in the Father involve our being fed constantly with the body and blood of Christ in the spirit realm, as we do His will. We learn to live by His Life rather than just by human flesh and blood.

In addition the following four deliverances must take place:

Deliverance from worldliness.

Deliverance from the works of the flesh.

Deliverance from self-will.

Deliverance from the effects of work and imprisonment.

Deliverance from worldliness.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. (I John 2:15,16—NIV)

As long as we find our security and comfort in the world we are not able to play. The cravings John mentions (above), the desire for material things, the acquisition of money, houses and lands, all can ruin our ability to play. The cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choke out the very Divine Seed that has germinated in us.

Perhaps we have gained the right to enjoy ourselves, to do what we wish. But then the burden of material possessions and our trust in the world to save us prevent the simple childlike faith in our Father that is so much a part of playing. Delight is all around us but the world has its claws in us and we cannot play in the playhouse the creation actually is.

To be continued.