Winners and Losers

I was just thinking about - - - -

All of our lives, we have had to face the reality of the difference to being a winner or a loser.

• In our school work, it is Pass or Fail!
• It sports competition, it is Win or Lose!
• In business, it is Success or Failure!
• In employment, it is Promotion or Remaining Static!
• In life, it is Acceptance or Rejection!

The Christmas narrative is filled with the choices and possibilities of Positives versus Negatives. Just think through the scenario - - -

• A young man and a young woman have met and fallen in love.
• Their love develops and they become engaged (betrothed) to be married.
• They have made a commitment to remain free from infidelity in their courtship and relationship.
• An Angel appears to the young woman and tells her she is highly favored by God and will be the vessel through whom the Savior will come forth.
• An Angel appears to Joseph and tells him his betrothed is expecting a baby.
• The young man knows he hasn't caused this event and wonders about his betrothed - "Why would she betray me in this way?"
• He decides he must dissolve this relationship but will do it privately and compassionately - that's just the way he is.

Can we even begin to imagine what was going on in the minds of these young people? The love they have for each other; the plans they were making for their lives together; their hopes and dreams; and now - THIS! What a tragedy! What a calamity! What should the young man do? What is God's purpose for him...for the young woman...for the world...?

As difficult as it must have been, the young man BELIEVES the Messenger (Angel) from God! The young woman did as well! And because they made this choice, they had this unique privilege and opportunity to impact the world from that moment onward! Did they know that as these events were taking place? How could they!

There's a religious adage that has been around for a long time: "God said it! I believe it! That settles it!" The adage is easier said than done because we often think we have a better plan and resolve than what God is indicating should and must be done! How one handles the adage, and personal faith, and commitment will determine the difference between one being a Winner or Loser and realizing Victory rather than Defeat!

The words of The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 9:24-27 are helpful and challenging...

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified!

We need to be focused on the Goal! We need to persevere on the journey! We will Win if we do not precipitously give up before the race is over or the journey ended!