We live in a society
that is sports crazy. We love football and fishing, racing and
wrestling, soccer and softball -- not to mention baseball, basketball
and golf. Nearly all of us have had the experience of cheering for our
team or favorite player to win, whether the contest was professional,
college, high school or just the youth league team that our child or
grandchild played on. And many of us have participated in sports
ourselves. We've personally experienced "the thrill of victory and the
agony of defeat."
From a spiritual
perspective, sports are not necessarily a bad thing. According to the
Bible, sports teach us important lessons about disciplining ourselves
when striving for a goal
(1
Corinthians 9:24-27),
playing by the rules
(2
Timothy 2:5),
and running with endurance
(Hebrews 12:1).
Obviously, we can allow sports to become a bad thing if we place too
much importance on them or allow them to crowd out spiritual
concerns. But sports can also impact us negatively in other ways. They
can train us to be too competitive, self-seeking, and ambitious -- too
concerned with winning at all costs.
In most sports
competitions, everyone wants first place. But there are times in the
life of every Christian when he should seek last place. In
Mark 9:35,
Jesus told the twelve apostles, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall
be last of all and servant of all." Jesus condemned the scribes and
Pharisees because "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats
in the synagogues"
(Matthew 23:6).
He told His disciples, "But when you are invited, go and sit down in the
lowest place . . ."
(Luke 14:10).
The Bible reveals that
we should be striving to win last place in our relationships with
others!
"Let nothing be done
through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem others better than himself."
(Philippians 2:3).
". . . Yes, all of you
be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God
resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.""
(1
Peter 5:5).
". . . Do not set your
mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in
your own opinion."
(Romans 12:16).
Here are some
practical suggestions for winning last place. The next time that you
disagree with a brother in an area of judgment or opinion, insist that
your brother get his way. The next time that your wife or husband
neglects to do a chore that merely benefits you, do it yourself. The
next time they are looking for a volunteer at work to do some menial
task, volunteer! Win last place!
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