01 Oct Win by losing – Oct 15

How does the Bible define ‘win’?

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word ‘win’ means to achieve victory in a fight, contest, game etc. So if you and I were to fight in a cage match, to win is to knock me out of consciousness or to bring me to surrender. But interestingly, that is not how the Bible primarily defines win. The bible is filled with paradox that you and I need to come to term with. Let me give you an example. When Jesus’ disciples argued among themselves on who was the greatest among them, Jesus answered them, “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” As if that’s not clear enough, the disciples feel like they need to have another argument on which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” With another word, Jesus said that His kingdom operates on different value system than the world. You don’t become the greatest by coming first but by becoming the least and youngest. You don’t win by achieving victory; you win by losing.

I thought we are called to be more than conquerors?

YES we are! By saying that winning comes through losing, I’m not trying to tell you to have defeatist mentality. God commanded His people to be strong and courageous and to fight for the Lord is with them. They are the head and not the tail. Paul said that we are more than conquerors. But that’s not where Paul ended. He said that, “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Did you get that? With Christ’s love in you, you win! But how do you have Christ’s love in you? By losing. You give up your throne to the one true King who has the ultimate power. You lose your right to the one true Judge who is perfectly just. You surrender your will to the only One who has infinite wisdom to direct your life. You take up the cross daily and receive salvation from the only One who can save. You give up your life and find the true life in Him. You become more than conquerors by surrendering to the ultimate Conqueror. You win by losing.

How does this win applied in our daily life?

Husbands, you win when you love your wives sacrificially like Jesus loves the church. Wives, you win when you submit your right gladly to your husbands loving leadership like the church submits to Christ. Children, you win when you obey your parents in the Lord like Jesus obeys His Father. Leaders, you win when you use your authority to serve like Jesus serves his people. Friends, you win when you surrender your right for the good of others. Employees, you win when you serve your employer whole-heartedly knowing that Jesus is your ultimate Master. It is only when you lose that Christ’s love can win through you. True power comes through weakness. You win by losing.