THINK OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF

We walked into Sunday School on Jan. 15, and it was obvious that some of us were feeling dejected, depressed and just plain upset because the Redskins had lost in a play-off game the day before. Redskins fans everywhere had mixed feelings. They didn’t know whether to be angry and upset because the team lost the game or happy with an overall good feeling about the season.

But maybe, we should all STOP thinking about our reaction to the loss and think of the players on any team — football, basketball or soccer. What about when they lose? They play their hardest, throw their bodies everywhere, risking their health for their team and their cause. And sometimes they fail. Feelings surrounding a loss or failure are not exactly the best feelings a person can have. But then, the other team, the team that wins, how good do they feel? They beat a team and may have advanced to the next round of the playoffs. The win may move the team one step closer to the Super Bowl, the biggest game of the season! (Oh, Washington, why couldn’t it have been you?).

The risk of losing and the sense of failure when goals are not achieved are feelings that are in everyone’s mind, practically everyday, in all areas of life. Whether it’s studying very hard for a test, preparing for a football, volleyball or basketball game or practicing an instrument for weeks to audition for a chair test, the pressure can really build up and make it even harder to lose and even better to win. For anyone who has tried and failed, you have experienced the dampening of the light ignited when you try. In all your attempts, remember God’s words:

But thanks to God, for He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Consequently, my beloved brothers become steadfast and unmovable. Always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Whatever the task, whatever the goal, whatever the outcome, we should stop and think of the overall victory achieved. Doors are opened when you win and even when you lose. Be the best you can be and know your work is never in vain, whether you win or lose, when it is in the name of the Lord. So, when you watch a Redskins’ game, your friend’s or child’s sporting event, or any competition where someone will win and someone will lose, think back to the Bible.

— Jeffrey Hansen, Charlotte Taylor, Adrienne Euler and Rebecca Kern, Junior High Sunday School Class

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist