Everybody Loves a Winner

When you think of a “winner,” who comes to mind? If you’re a sports enthusiast, maybe you thought of Michael Jordan, or Babe Ruth; maybe an historical figure like Johannes Gutenberg or George Washington came to mind; or perhaps you think of a “winner” as being a financial success like entrepreneurs Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos?

The dictionary defines “winner” as synonymous with “victor, achiever, success.”  Who one considers to be a “winner” can be different for each of us.

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This world conditions us from a young age to believe that success is tied to fame, fortune, and/or power. While certainly each of the above-named individuals have “made a name for themselves” here on earth, being a “winner” in biblical terms is quite different. With all of the fame, fortune and power this world has to offer, you can’t take it with you when you die.

Worldly success is fleeting; it focuses on self, is measured by appearances, and brings temporary happiness.

Godly success is eternal; it focuses on God, not man; is measured by the heart, and brings lasting joy.

Godly success = WINNER! V-I-C-T-O-R-Y !

“Victory in Jesus” – Artist: Carrie Underwood

All that being said, it is possible to be a “winner” and be victorious according to both worldly and Godly standards. Let’s look at what the Bible says about “victory” --

1Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How do we get victory through Jesus Christ? A heartfelt prayer, confessing your trust in Him as Lord and Saviour.

Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

We can have victory by accepting the gift Jesus offers of eternal life in heaven with Him – spiritual birth. By faith, we are born of God and overcome the world … in Christ, we have the victory!

1John 5:4 - “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Our victory in Christ is commanded and glorifies God.

2Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

We are triumphant in Christ!

2Corinthians 2:14 - “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, …”

With Almighty God on our side, we cannot lose!

Romans 8:31 - “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

The goal of victory is glory with God -- glory with our life. In order to glorify God in our lives, we must grow; we must be nourished by His Word.

Revelation 3:21 - “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Everybody loves a winner. Be a real winner and glorify God with your life!