In the current time, a majority of the world’s population is aware of Mario (I don’t have the statistics, and wouldn’t be likely to trust them if I did, but I am willing to risk being wrong for the sake of this discussion). When the character debuted in 1981, it was officially known as “Jumpman,” but I doubt there were many who knew or cared at the time. Despite this presumable apathy, a successful franchise would be constructed around this character, and it would eventually become the mascot for the Nintendo company, helping to establish its reputation for high-quality video games. As this industry expanded into modern culture, Mario became a cultural icon, and today the character enjoys pervasive popularity in all manner of media.
Nintendo is known to be extremely protective of its “intellectual properties” (IP’s). In many cases, including and beyond Mario, they have endeavored to restrict usage of their productions beyond their desired intentions, going so far as to employ legal action against preservation of discontinued products. While not technically a moral issue, this behavior has garnered ire from parts of their consumer base, with the argument revolving around cultural perception of ownership and creative license as a philosophical concept. Further confusing matters, the law in such situations differs between nations as a result of this cultural disconnect. The important thing to understand is that the people who own Nintendo consider the corruption of their IP’s to be a personal affront and believe they must protect their legacy.
Toward the end of the Revelation to John (better known as the Book of Revelation), we are given a glimpse of what is to come after the Final Judgement. Vivid descriptions are presented that yet imply a far grander experience to look forward to in Heaven, the most significant of which being the promise of eternal dwelling with the Most High God. Significantly, this part of John’s chronicle begins in chapter 21 with this declaration: Then I saw a new heaven and a new Earth, for the first heaven and the first Earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (21:1) In this is confirmation of Christ’s earlier prophecy, “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) We are subtly reminded to “lay up for [our]selves treasure in Heaven,” (Matthew 6:20a) knowing that our Earthly accomplishments are doomed to vanity.
It occurred to me recently that Mario will be completely forgotten someday. For all that the men and women who treasure the IP may guard it as their lives’ great validation, no one will carry the memory into either Heaven or Hell. Those who take offense to the company’s jealousy will have very different focus come the end, whether in joy or horror to acknowledge its meaninglessness in light of eternity. Such is the truth regarding all things of the world, for their only value was ever in their ability to glorify the Creator, and otherwise to serve Him as He condescended for them to do.
Of old You laid the foundation of the Earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but You are the same, and Your years have no end. The children of Your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before You. – Psalm 102:25-28
Be Heaven-focused! TTT