Thoughts On Losing And Winning

As I drive along El Paso roadways, I've noticed that winning is ingrained in almost every driver. They have to beat the other guy to the next stop sign or stop light. And they have to beat him at all costs; even to the extreme of possibly killing themselves or others in order to get ahead of the other fellow, always striving to be first. It seems as though this worldly philosophy is ingrained in the DNA of almost every human on earth.

The world's ideology on losing and winning, is that an individual who wants to win, has to win at all costs - whatever it takes. Losing is not an option. However, the Bible has a different perspective - an individual has to lose before he can win (Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-25 NLT).

As our Lord stated in the above scriptures, if we had the ability to gain all of this world's goods, and yet loose our own soul, what would that profit us in eternity? (To ask the question, is to answer the question).

The Psalmist and the Hebrew writer, tell us that money won't redeem a lost soul, nor will it save an individual from physical death (Psalm 49:1-14; Hebrews 9:27). Rather, we should look to the One who can redeem our soul from "the power of the grave" (Psalm 49:15; cf. John 5:28-29) and provide for us that promised eternal home and inheritance (John 14:1-4; 1 Peter 1:3-4). Also, see Coffman on Psalm 49 here.

Remember, to lose for the cause of Christ here on earth (Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-25), is to win eternal rewards in heaven (1 Timothy 6:17-19). And we can only accomplish this goal when we can claim "victory" in Jesus (Romans 7:14-25; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 15:1-3).

Beloved, as indicated above, it is far better to lose here on earth, than to lose our eternal home in heaven.

Let's go with the winning team! (God, Christ, and Holy Spirit - Revelation 22). Also note the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11-12, who were victorious in overcoming the world's evil influence, just as our Lord was victorious (John 16:33). Let's claim victory in Jesus!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets