How To Win Even If You Lose
Introduction
Regardless of who we vote for, one thing is for sure. Some of us will lose while others will win. Some candidates will be elected, while others will not. The winners will celebrate and be happy. But what about the losers? No one wants to lose. That’s why losing will be a form of spiritual formation for many of us. How we respond when we lose will reveal our true hearts.
Four Godly Responses
- Recognize God’s sovereignty. (John 19:8-11) No one becomes a leader unless the Lord allows him or her to become a leader. It doesn’t mean that God approves of him or her. It simply means that God allowed it. There is a big difference between allowing and approving. The former does not necessarily result in blessing while the latter always does. Also, God does not tell us why He allows one thing and disallows another. We can only trust in His infinite wisdom and judgment.
- Remind yourself of your identity. (Colossians 3:1-4) It is tempting to identify ourselves too much with our candidates. If they win, we also win. if they lose, we also lose. Anytime we attach our identity to someone else outside of Christ, we commit idolatry. That’s when our minds begin to wander off to things that don’t really matter. But when we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ, we are able to refocus again on the kingdom of God.
- Reject behaviors that are worldly. (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) Sour losers tend to react in worldly ways. They become like immature children who cannot get their way. So they choose behaviors that create more division in order to take revenge. They don’t want to be the only losers; they want everyone else to lose also. But those who are in Christ have the freedom to choose what is mature and godly. They choose to love and promote peace to glorify Christ and also to proclaim His Gospel.
- Respect everyone who is in authority. (Acts 23:1-5) When people lose, they attack those who are in authority, claiming some kind of conspiracy. It’s hard for them to accept defeat. Knowing that God is sovereign, believers can trust that God knows everything. Unless there is real proof that can be proven in court, we don’t want to question the decisions of those who have authority. Doing so only creates anarchy and destabilizes our institutions.
Conclusion
- “As Christians, we can still win even if we lose.”
- We don’t need to respond like sour losers who do not know God.
- Let’s respond in godly ways even if we don’t get our way.
Discussion
- Why is it difficult to accept if our candidate loses in the elections?
- How should we respond if our candidate loses in the elections?
- What would you do now to prepare for this possibility?