We Won – They Lost

For those of you who live under a rock somewhere, let me advise you that the LSU Tigers won the “Game of the Century” on Saturday night defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide. I couldn’t help notice all the folks in Tiger Gear as I  moved around on Sunday. I have to think these guys are not wearing the same clothes they wore to the game Saturday night. Much of the gear had the look of not having been worn in a while. I suspect the sale of Tiger Gear which has been rising steadily all season as the Tigers continued undefeated, will shoot up this morning after Saturday’s win. 

It’s human nature, I suppose, to jump on bandwagons. I am sure as the years past 200,000 people will claim to have been at the “big game” all pulling for LSU. I overheard many conversations recounting how “we won” the big game. 

Have you ever noticed that after a victory, “fans” will proclaim, “We won.” After a loss, the cry is “they lost.” Again, I guess it’s just human nature to want to claim credit when things are going well and to distance ourselves when things aren’t so good. This is merely humorous when observed in sports fans. It’s deadly in other areas of life, particularly ministry.

When the outlook for success in ministry seems bleak and the odds seem long, the name of Jesus is frequently invoked. There is much prayer, work and concern. When He begins to put things together, we become proud of what we are doing. It is so trite to say, “Pride goes before a fall” but it sure does. Pride is Satan’s last weapon. When his attempts to prevent participation, block monetary support, and ignite dissent, all fail… he falls back on his old favorite, pride.

Jesus is in charge of every ministry. Those given the honor of leading need to remember that. They need to cherish each volunteer who is struggling with his role. They need to lead by example with humility. They need to do more and talk less. They need to remember the days of uncertainty and banish ideas of self-generated success. 

Kairos has a wonderful motto listen, listen, love, love. It applies not just to the residents we are called to serve, but to each volunteer who is just as precious. The last meeting before the ministry weekend has as its focus: affirmation. Affirmation is a declaration that something is true. What is true is that each person is valuable and that you are not in charge. Jesus is.

Remember that and watch Him work and

Be blessed.

Nick