Mission:

I remember recently reading an article about younger generation people who are just entering the workforce. Besides demanding higher wages, more incentives, etc, etc, the bosses interviewed also noticed that the applicants were asking for very precise job scope and objectives. One of those interviewed likened the job seekers to video game characters. In a video game, you start of each level with an objective; like collecting 5 items or killing the big boss, or solving this mystery. And as you go along, you solve harder and harder puzzles, collect rarer items and kill tougher enemies, while earning better rewards. It is said that the current generation don’t see a job so much as something to fill up the time between graduation and retirement, but more of an adventure so see how much one can accomplish or earn.
I felt that the Christian walk sounds alot like a video game too. You first log on to the game (salvation) and once you start playing, you‘re hooked for life. You start off level 1 with simple objectives: read the bible and pray everyday. And what’s the reward of doing that? You level up! (grow). Level 2: get active in church and join a ministry. Level 3: Bible study, serve more. Level 4: Bible school, mission work. Level 5: Lead other Christians. Completing level 5 gives you a reward:
1 Peter 5:2-4
2 Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully;
3 Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).
4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory.
AMP

In between, you can accumulate bonus points by the in-game’s member-bring-member scheme. If that member you brought in remains a player till the end of the game, you get a crown:
Phil 4:1
HEREFORE, MY brethren, whom I love and yearn to see, my delight and crown (wreath of victory), thus stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
AMP

The game developers have also noticed bugs in during gameplay that tries to trick the characters into switching off the game console, and thus instantly logging them out of the game. Hence they have introduced a reward scheme for those who prevail against that glitch:
James 1:12
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
AMP

Besides the internal bugs that pops up now and then, there are also external factors that may influence the players to quit. Many gaming circles have motivation courses and one good program offers this advice for players who begin to lose interest in the long RPG game when some levels seem to take forever to pass and when they get stuck at certain points, unable to breakthrough:
1 Cor 9:25
25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.
AMP

Concerning the toughest levels, discussion boards have been littered with rumours of a terrible setback that characters might face when choosing wrong moves; something like the snake’s tail at step-99 of the snake-and-ladder board game (oh, so retro). And I quote:
Rev 3:11
I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown.
AMP

And once you finish the whole game, you get a final crown:
2 Tim 4:7-8
I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day
AMP

GAME ON!!