We are given every opportunity as we grow up from
childhood to compete with others in athletics, games, grades, hobbies and even
dating. We covet the first place award, and we are so disappointed when we
achieve anything less. This drive to reach perfection will drive us into an
early grave. It makes us think that we can control our life and the outcome of
every endeavor.
We soon learn, through a series of hard knocks, that we
cannot control everything. Rather than give us relief, we allow this fact to
demean us in our own eyes. We see others who always win; therefore, we must be
less in every way than they are. Satan makes sure that we do not recognize that
there are many others who are not in first place either.
There can only be one first place winner, and everyone
else is second rate at best. Therefore, rather than allowing Satan to accuse us
with this fact, allow it to be a comfort, realizing that most people do not
achieve first place, but we are all winners if we are IN CHRIST. This way we
can rejoice with people who do win, and comfort those who do not.
We have no reason to deride our self or to feel belittled
in any way, because even the winners will lose sometimes. They cannot win at
everything they try. The real goal is not to win, but to do our best. If you
did your best, then no one, not even your self, can expect anything more from
you than your best. It is only when we do not do our best that we deserve to
come in second best.
John warns us about the boastful pride of life and points
out that this does not come from God, but from the philosophy of the world (1 John 2:16). Satan
is the god of this world, and he thinks that he owns the kingdoms of this
world. The truth is that God gave the government of the earth to mankind, and
Adam relinquished his position by believing Satan’s lie.
We do this same thing every day. We believe Satan’s lies
as truth and we discount the Word of God. In truth, King Jesus now has all
power and authority both in heaven and on earth. He lives within us and we
abide in Him as He abides in us. All the power of the Godhead dwells inside of
our spirit; and we can tap into it and share it with the world around us.
Prayer:
Father God, open the eyes of our heart and let us see You.
You are high and lifted up and the earth is simply Your footstool (Isaiah 66:1). Teach
us that there is nothing in this world that is more valuable than our
relationship with You. Remind us that as King’s kids, we are all winners
because of what our brother Jesus did for us on Calvary’s cross (Matthew 4:10).
Thought for the Day:
Never think that you can handle life on your own; seek God
in all of your circumstances, plans, goals and decisions. - Proverbs 3:5-6
