Winning by Loosing

By Fred Wikoff

Thirty-one years ago I read a book that had been on the New York Times best seller list for over a year: Looking Out for Number One, by Robert J. Ringer. In it the author urges his readers to put themselves first at all costs if they want to succeed in life . . . even if it means doing so at another’s expense.

It’s clear why the book was such a hit. It fans man’s inner most desire to be in charge of his life by presenting, in a logical, plausible way, the belief that we have an innate right to put our self first. And nothing is more appealing than believing one has the right to be “number one.”

To be sure, confidence in one’s self is important. Self-confidence, or the lack of it, largely shapes the entire scope of our life. But when we place more confidence in our own abilities than God’s we are doomed for failure. Doubting God started in the garden and it’s been mankind’s biggest problem ever since.

It’s no coincident that Christ spent most of his earthly ministry teaching the necessity of putting our abilities and selfish goals aside and placing God and others first. Meekness, humility, servitude, and obedience to God, were not only examples in Christ’s earthly life, but the source of his strength as well. Time after time he humbly gave God the credit for the miracles he did, and said that we can do even greater works, if we have the confidence to let God work through us. (See John 14:12-14)

Moreover, Christ said if we humble ourselves by becoming last, we will actually be first. (See Matthew 20:26-28) The very idea is contrary to rational thought and flies in the face of all human logic. How can anyone possibly win if they are last? Yet this is Christ’s advice for winning. The exact opposite of Satan’s tempting whisper: “put yourself first.” So who do we believe?

The choice should be easy if carefully considered. For Christ’s way is actually a winning situation for everyone involved . . . except Satan. God wins because we give him a channel to do his work. The people God serves through us win. And for our trust in God, we not only win His gratitude, but are elevated from last to first. (See Mark 9:35)

Clearly Christ set the example with his earthly life of humble service and ultimate death upon the cross. He gave his life for all and in doing so become number one for eternity. Can we do any less than follow the example He set?

“For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)

Fred Wikoff writes from Eugene, Oregon.