You’re a winner?
I hope that got your attention – because you are a winner every time you choose Jesus over the world!
When I think about all the things I’ve done in my life that made me feel like a winner or made me feel successful – things like raising my son to be an amazing young adult who now serves in the US Coast Guard! or getting that promotion at work that I really wanted and felt I deserved; even something as insignificant as winning those arguments with friends or family. All great events that make up parts of my story but none of these really define WHO I AM, which more than anything else is a disciple of Jesus.
As my faith continues to grow and my relationship with Jesus matures; all of this really pales in comparison to the victory I am honored to realize every single day by having God front and center in all I do, in all my thoughts and my words.
“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith”
1 John 5:4 NLT
It’s really about perspective and priority, right? We’re human, and all of the things of this world that make us happy are great, who doesn’t appreciate seeing themselves succeed, being rewarded for a job well done, or being a part of someone else’s success? We all do. But these accomplishments are momentary. They really don’t completely satisfy the Christian heart.
The lasting and meaningful victories are realized because, by the Grace of God, we are set apart from our humanly pursuits for victory. We are called to serve others with the Grace, kindness and love that God has given us. We are true winners when we give of our time, talents, and resources to help others.
I never felt such accomplishment, satisfaction, peace, and joy as I did when God put it on my heart to get involved in His community, when I started serving! I know it may seem like a lot of nouns and adjectives to describe how serving makes me feel, but seriously. There are no words sufficient enough to really capture how important and fulfilling serving is to me. When I think about what Jesus would do in so many of the encounters I face, and my attempt to behave in a way that brings honor and glory to Him; It makes me feel like a winner!
Those who serve are reflecting the character of Jesus himself,
“who came not to be served but to serve”
Matthew 20:28
Serving is a very simple way to get more connected to our church community, to establish and maintain fellowship, and support the growth of our beautiful Church. Winner, Winner, Winner! If you’re not there yet; pray on it. If you are serving; in the words of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Thank you for taking that step to share the love of Christ with so many and please encourage others to do the same. Imagine for a moment the world we would live in if everyone decided to LIVE THE WORD. So the question remains, Are you really a winner?