While each title in the original Halo trilogy has a small amount of exploration in it, the central storyline remains a linear experience. If we want to make progress, we must take on the missions and perform the actions that Master Chief has been assigned to do. Sure, we have the flexibility to either walk or pilot a vehicle to get to our destination and pick up a shotgun instead of a battle rifle, but at the end of the day we’re all still following the predetermined path John-117 was designed for. It may seem limiting that we don’t get to select what he says or how he saves the day, but that is kind of the point… this isn’t our story, it’s HIS. The fate of the universe is at stake, so the game doesn’t give us an option to do things our own way. The only question it allows us to answer is “What would the Master Chief do”?

The choice to accept the gift of Christ’s grace and follow Him places our feet on a path that is no longer about pursuing our own will, desires, or preferences. If truly we want to see His will done on this planet and experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives, we have to do it His way and live our lives on His terms. While it may feel reductive or simplistic to ask “What would Jesus do?” before each word we say or action we take, those are the guidelines for today’s missions… because there’s only one way to save the world.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 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 15:4-5

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For all of Master Chief’s advantages over his video game peers, he possesses a “limitation” that most of them don’t share. While gaming protagonists like Solid Snake carry an entire armory with them into their respective battles, the Chief is only able to carry two weapons at a time… apparently his armor doesn’t share the same pocket design as Snake’s sneaking gear. But what may seem like a disadvantage is really just a difference between the games they are in and the unique nature of their adventures… the Chief wouldn’t have any use for a cardboard box in the places his story takes him. An unlimited arsenal of equipment choices sounds nice, but the Master Chief’s “limited” load-out has always been more than enough for him to win the day.

The uniqueness of each of our callings for the Lord means that every one of us will be equipped differently for our respective missions… some of us have received talents in speaking, writing, or sharing songs while others have been gifted with earthly resources or serve Him in positions of high visibility to grow the kingdom. Instead of wishing we were chosen for different missions in life or that we possessed the “pockets” of gifts that others received, let’s open our eyes to the callings we were actually given. He didn’t design us with limitations… He crafted each of us for a purpose.

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:9-11

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9

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