We Win

It is a natural ambition for those that take pride in what they do to desire recognition for their accomplishments.  We all enjoy a pat on the back now and then, or a that-a-boy gesture from someone.  But some ambitions become the ultimate goal in life, whereas, everything else takes second place, and all that’s focused on is the dream becoming a reality—being a champion in a competitive world.  This often takes hard work, long hours, sacrifices, and in some cases, having good physical strength and fitness; the kind needed in a sports arena.

In professional boxing, for example, rules are set in place and implemented to help forgo serious bodily injuries and to facilitate sportsmanlike conduct between participants.  Kidney and rabbit punches, hitting below the belt, eye gouging, head butting, and biting are a few of the restricted areas. 

Prior to stepping into the ring, the rules of engagement are understood and clear in the minds of all that participate.  Opponents are reminded of these rules before the bell rings for round one.  The referee brings the two contenders to the center of the ring and recaps these all-important rules. 

However, when the referee is not looking, sportsmanlike conduct takes flight with some boxers, and a win-at-any-cost attitude takes over.  They see the person in front of them as the one standing between them and their goal.  Dirty fighting becomes the rule.  When attitudes like this become inherent, these individuals are sometimes banned from competition.  Their goals and aspirations to be noticed and praised fly out the window with their bad character.

On the other hand, there are promoters that have lost their sense of fair play and aptness.  They promote dirty fighting.  In fact, they encourage all participants to mete out as much pain upon their opponents as possible to cause a tap out—no holds barred.  The one tapping out loses the match. 

A “King of the Hill” status, through the process of elimination, brings out inhumane attitudes of cruelty and sadistic actions of fierce, brutal punishment that is inflicted upon another human being.  There is no such thing as a mandatory eight count when a person hits the canvas.  On the contrary, in order to become the “Ultimate Warrior,” both parties enter the ring with an attitude of, “It’s him or me.”

When a person is knocked down, the one standing pounces on the other, following them to the mat and then proceeds to dominate with aggressive, atrocious punishment, inflicting blow after blow of unchecked viciousness until that person taps out from the pain.  The intense desire to achieve status and recognition of “Top Dog” or “Ultimate Warrior” causes sound reasoning to fritter away. 

Masters of the arts implement many different techniques of hand to hand combat in this style of fighting, and train relentlessly to achieve the badge of honor and recognition that accompanies winning.  They are the best of the best when it comes to beating a fellow opponent to a pulp.  It doesn’t make sense to me, but my goals and desires are not of this temperament.  I prefer a hug to a black eye any day.

This type of fighting reminds me of the battle that took place two millenniums ago on a lonely hill called Golgotha, where Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, fought the biggest fight in the history of mankind.  He paid the ultimate price for the remission of sins.  He suffered excruciating pain from the horrific beating that He received, and then laid down His life for you and me. 

Many people down through the ages have experienced devastating attacks from the enemy of their soul when they didn’t have to.  They endured beatings unnecessarily and still bear the scars of combat.  Perhaps these wounds are still open, causing unbearable pain that was inflicted by an ever-pursuing beast that seeks to batter and to kill. 

The epitaph needn’t read, “They died in vane,” because there was an answer standing at the door of their heart, knocking to come in.  His name is Jesus.  He alone can bring victory where defeat is imminent.  All that is required is to simply invite Him in.  He will take up residence in our heart and fight the battles for us. 

What a magnificent friend we have in Jesus.  He makes a way where there seems to be no way.  He closes doors that no man can open and opens doors that no man can close.  The only prerequisite in receiving His assistance is to call out to God for help and then receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

Some individuals that are out of the arch of safety have experienced beatings so severely that expectations of intervention and deliverance have all but vanished from sight, because their eyes have been beaten shut and blinded to truth by Satan.

If this is your life and the bruises are still fresh and there’s pain of separation from God still looming in your mind, Jesus fought the battle for you at Calvary and won.  It is not too late to allow Him into your world of troubles and sorrows.  He will bring comfort and pour into your wounds the healing ointment of salvation.  It is not God’s will that anyone perish without knowing Him and experiencing life—the abundant life through Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

(1 Peter 5:8), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  Defeat is certain for anyone that attempts to combat the devil in his or her own strength and abilities.  It is for this reason that Jesus died and defeated the powers of darkness on the Cross of Calvary so you and I would not have to face the battles alone.  Jesus fights them for us and remains victor forevermore.  Nothing or no one can ever take the title from Him.  He is indeed the “Ultimate Warrior.” 

Mankind needn’t fear the onslaught and unfair antics of the devil when we are walking hand in hand with the Lord.  God will not allow anything to come upon the Christian more than they can bear.  Tapping out is not an option when Jesus is fighting for us.

(1 Corinthians 10:13), “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

The devil thought that he had won the title when he killed Jesus on the cross, but Jesus didn’t tap out or remain dead.  He arose three days later and reigns supreme over death, hell, and the grave.  The fight between God and Lucifer ended in a victorious win at Calvary.  The lion’s teeth were knocked out and all he can do now is roar.  Jesus struck the final blow for mankind and won.  We needn’t fear the roar as long as we are in Christ.  Before freedom’s fight began, Satan was already defeated.  He just didn’t know it.  We win!

Written by,

Papa Boyd