We win by losing

In the midst of following the Olympic games it seems strange to say that we win by losing.  Jesus revealed an approach to life, spiritual life, that runs contrary to the common thought of the American philosophy of life.  In this world it is all about winning and you only can win by being the best but there are some spiritual principles that do not seem to make sense.  Jesus said "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."  Matthew 16:25   The verse before this one told us to deny self.  To deny self and to lose your life for someone else is not part of the thought process for most people.  To have an emphasis of losing does not seem to make sense but that is exactly what Jesus wants us to do as part of follow Him.  Why is it so hard for us as Christians to be willing to lose our life for Jesus?  First, there is a fear that we will lose our identity of being our own person.  The enemy temptation here is to get us to place our priorities on ourselves rather then on Jesus.  This is often why so many people find it difficult to be consistent in their church attendance, their giving of the tithe, their acts of service and their willingness to do anything beyond what might be considered normal.  Second,  the failure to understand that spiritual principles work differently then natural principles.  When I lose my life for Jesus, He is more then able to add and even multiply what I would perceive my loss seems to be in giving up my life, time, talent and resources.  God's method of blessings will always be a better return then anything the world has to offer.   This failure to understand is also connected to the fact that our eyes are too focused on the things of earth rather then eternal things.  Third, there is this aspect of peer pressure that we all face.  In this area it comes out being a people pleaser more then being a God pleaser.  The fear of man is greater then the fear of God.  O Lord help us to lose our life for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Jesus then said in the next verse "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Let's remember every day that Jesus wins.  If I want to win then I must be on the winning side which is Jesus.  I get on the winning side by losing my life for Jesus and allowing Him to live through me.

Pastor John