Give Up to Win

Winning seems to be a big deal! As a former athlete, the win was what the team was after - more goals and more runs were what mattered most.  Jesus turned this idea on its head! He taught "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God" (Matthew 5:3). Those who possessed nothing spiritually - the humble and the meek - achieved great reward! He modeled humility to His closest friends: Jesus "rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him." (John 13:4-5 ESV). The world sees such as illogical, uncommon, making no sense but the real truth is it's how to win! "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:10 ESV) ... "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12 ESV) ... "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6 ESV). I love the Puritan's words: "Let me learn by paradox - that the way down is the way up ... to be low is to be high ... to bear the cross is to wear the crown" ("The Valley of Vision"). How great it was when we did have more goals and runs and took home the trophy. For those who truly love and are devoted to Jesus, there will never be any greater reward than what comes to those of a humbled heart - those who ... give up to win.