Competition is a big part of our lives. We compete for jobs. We cheer for our favorite team to
win. Businesses compete for
customers. We usually feel
discouraged after a loss, or uplifted after a win.
Most of us would agree that it matters how one plays the
game. We believe one should play
by the rules. In football, it’s
unethical to hit your opponent after the whistle ends the play. In business, we’re honest about the
product quality or services we offer.
In school, students get rewarded for doing excellent work, but punished
for cheating.
I believe that we can learn from winning or losing. When we win regularly over a season,
we’re tempted to become overconfident or cocky; these are symptoms of
pride. When we lose too often,
we’re tempted to blame the officials or someone else for our inadequacy; the
problem with this evading personal responsibility is that it means missing an
opportunity to learn from our mistakes.
One respected coach tries to take “an even keel” with his
team. He avoids getting too high
after a big win or too low after a disappointing loss. He believes that we’re not as good as
our most recent win or as bad as our latest loss.
A wise, older person once said that over the long run, life
has a way of evening things out.
The proud are brought down and humbled. The lowly person is lifted up and encouraged. Luke 1: 51-53 says,
The Lord “has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost
thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has
lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good
things, but has sent the rich away empty.”
May we learn to let God teach us humility through our losses
and encouragement through our wins.
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