Checkmate

My six-year-old son has learned how to play chess. Well, he has acquired the rudiments of the game at any rate. Parker knows how to move each piece, and he understands the concept of “check” and “checkmate.” His approach, though, remains more defensive than offensive. Naturally, I can win every time, but I allow my son various opportunities to flex some strategic muscle. It’s fun to watch him improve his game.

In his memoir, “Surprised by Joy,” C.S. Lewis employs the metaphor of a chess match to portray the spiritual sparring he engages in with God. As he puts it:

Realism had been abandoned; the New Look was somewhat damaged; and chronological snobbery was seriously shaken. All over the board my pieces were in the most disadvantageous positions. Soon I could no longer cherish even the illusion that the initiative lay with me. My Adversary began to make His final moves. (216)

By “Adversary” he means, of course, his Maker – the One with whom he is battling for the right to his soul. Lewis’ staunch advocacy of atheism slowly begins to erode as God brings wise Christians, not to mention good books, into his life. In this spiritual chess match, God is like a master chess player, arranging the pieces on the board before making his final move.

About this time, Lewis notes:

When I began teaching for the English Faculty, I made two other friends, both Christians (the queer people seemed now to pop up on every side) who were later to give me much help in getting over the last stile. (216)

One of these new Christian friends is J.R.R. Tolkien, who becomes a lifelong friend and colleague. It’s funny to think that Lewis’ first impression of Tolkien was that he was one of “those” queer folks.

When I think back to my own “chess match” with God, I can see how God was moving certain people and situations into my life. What about you?

In the days leading up to your decision to follow Christ, can you think of a particular relationship or circumstance that led you to a place of total surrender? Or have you yet to cross that threshold?
If so, what is holding you back?

By leaving a comment, we can link back to your blog to read more of your thoughts.
For February 1, 2011, we will discuss “A Grief Observed.”