Friday, June 8, 2007

Win Place or Show?

I was driving in to work this morning and wasn’t feeling necessarily prayer-riffic so I was listening to some new music instead. As is usual there was an opportunity to jockey for position on the highway. Why is this such an inviting, yet aggravating scenario nearly every time I drive? It’s like everyone else on the road is trying to beat me. This got me thinking about how much of my life is looked at with a “just win baby” attitude. Many times intentional, many times just natural reaction but so often I find myself at the end of what was just a perceived competitive battle. Whether it’s driving the car, sitting through a meeting, or telling jokes, something is always whispering on the inside “you have to win Chris.” Ever feel like that?

How ironic that in giving up the desire to win, to position ourselves first, to be ahead of others and look out for us first, that the opportunity to achieve a deeper sense of that same fulfillment becomes available? Instead of jockeying for my position, why don’t I jockey for God’s position? Isn’t that the true victory?

I Corinthians 57

But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three-sin, guilt, death-are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!

What are some examples you've seen or may be occurring in your life that with a simple twist of "who's agenda is it anyway" might shed a new light on your perspective?


3 comments:

Fred said...

Ha! I'm the first to comment.

I WIN.

Dang! There I go again.

Patrick said...

Every day, working in the front office of a body shop, I'm confronted with opportunities to put other people's feelings and comfort before myself and my often cranky mood or need to feel superior.

Working in a body shop has kicked my butt attitude-wise on a daily basis for the last ten years. Somehow I'm still in process, though...

Anonymous said...

I am a 17-yr commuter and have really changed my view on the "race" to and from work each day. I no longer drive in the fast lane...just set my cruise at the posted speed and hang in the granny lane, thinking of each vehicle that is driving aggressively: perhaps they have a loved one in trouble they are rushing to be with, and I say a little prayer for them and give thanks for my safe travel. Taking my time and enjoying God's creation all around me is a perspective I love and appreciate.