Today's Devotional
May 12, 2009
Subject: The Value Of Losing
Philippians 3:8 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."
This past Saturday saw the end of my first ever campaign for public office. I didn't win the election, but boy was I motivated about the loss. Even though I entered the race with only a couple of months before the election, I used as much time as I had to get out my message of "dialogue and conversation" in an area of Texas with a not-so-pretty history when it comes to issues of race and elections. In the end, I, a "Black candidate" received probably most all of the Black votes and my opponent, a Caucasian, received most all of the Caucasian votes. I don't think the people down here have heard about that "content of character; not color of skin speech" that Dr King gave long ago. Nevertheless, I learned or was reminded by God of a few things from losing.
First thing is, God determines winners and losers and if the numbers don't come out in your favor, that doesn't make you a loser. In our post-election meeting, there was a great feeling of hope in what God was doing in the election as we gear up for next year's battle.
Secondly, like all races and competitions, it's not about winning or losing, it's about running a good race. While winning is always good when you're competing, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing in my instance was that I carry the right message and the message that I carry doesn't need an elected office to go forward as the community will soon find out.
Finally, losing can focus a competitor, such as I am, in ways that winning never could. I can now see causes so much more clearly and can see what God is doing in the community in which He has placed me.
Today I'm motivated and buoyed by the loss I had in my first ever election and the verse above puts my motivation in perspective when it says "I have suffered loss...the I might win Christ. That's how you win every day.
Carlen
