Win at all costs, be first , no-one cares who comes second, winners are grinners and losers .....well really 'who cares'. Our kids are raised listening to these values and they like us believe them to be truth . The pressure to win in every aspect of our existence is the call of the kingdom of darkness ..... a call NEVER satisfied, for a win is only celebrated until the next contest . The culture of winning reinforces the dominance of SELF & EGO...... the value of self strength ,self power , dominance over another or others . Think about it , it is subliminal but reality.
The Kingdom of God is so different to this ethos , so opposite , with JESUS what really matters is the quiet , deliberate intentional promotion of others before self , the ga,me is celebrated , the players are applauded ...... NOT the score . Think how releasing that is .... I can place myself last & congratulate others performance over & above mine. Friends the CROSS stands out as the ultimate victory over EGO ... SELF.... SIN .... SATAN.
Next time you find yourself celebrating because someone else lost in order for you to win , check to see how much of your EGO & FLESH & SELF is really still alive , this is serious business my friends .... just check out people's responses at the latest AFL grand final , you know what I am saying is right .
JESUS calls us to something far greater in Him than winning the game of life : in JOHN 3:30 "HE (JESUS ) MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE- HE MUST GROW MORE & MORE PROMINENT, I MUST GROW LESS & LESS ".
You will find release in being VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST instead of your own (dare I say it ) puny , self effort .
TAKE THE CHALLENGE OF ALLOWING JESUS & OTHERS FIRST PLACE ABOVE YOURSELF & SEE WHAT HAPPENS .
Marney
