“American Idol” continues to dominate the television airwaves. Multiplied millions each week tune in and text away their vote for their favorite future star. Folks all across America are glued to the tube to witness the contestants shine and fall (like many shooting stars) and eventually one by one get eliminated. For most of the contestants many are dissapointed while only one gets appointed to be that season’s shinning star.
Yes, some of the winners deserved to go the distance and win the whole thing. However, I have also witnessed a trend that is worth repeating and maybe for some revealing. Often times, those that come in second on the show often succeed far greater during their career long after that show’s season. How many times have we seen Idol “runner ups” bounce back only to “run circles” in concert dates and CD sales later around the one who won.
It was over three decades ago that an unknown Sylvester Stallone captured millions of movie goer hearts with “ROCKY.” The ultimate underdog who was a million to one shot proved he was one in a million, chased his dream, went the distance and won by actually losing. Never before in Hollywood had someone won for losing, yet captured the audience and won his girl’s heart in the process. The movie went on to be nominated for TEN Academy Awards and won “Best Picture” and considered today the greatest sports movie in Hollywood History. Not bad for losing.
The Bible reminds us “The stone that the builders rejected was the Chief cornerstone.” The architects neglected the Almighty, the carpenters “cut out” the Carpenter from Galilee and the masons made the Master mundane when He is Messiah, Mighty and Magnificient. I love that classic quote: “The R.M.S. Titanic was built by professionals but Noah’s Ark was built by amateurs.” Sadly, many who try to be relevant are not even relevant. Today, we promote “wannabees” and fail to allow the Winner to shine, succeed and stand out.
Even in Christian circles, I have seen folks talk evangelism but not walk it out. Worse, they have countless conferences on the subject but bring everyone to the table but the expert who lives it out daily. It’s like Billy Graham in town with Bible in hand and yet the pastor tells him he can’t have him minister in his pulpit because he cannot afford to snap a 12 week sermon series. Hello? It’s like playing basketball with the whole world watching and before the game teammates have the audacity to tell Michael Jordan with six diamond championship rings on his fingers to sit on the bench with ball in hand only to watch others lack luster effort. It’s going to war and telling John J. Rambo that his resume is not needed and with machine gun in hand and survivor knife on his side only to be relegated to sit in the back of the bus. You get the point.
The only thing worse than mentioned above is going through life without embracing Christ as Savior. The Bible says: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul.” Success is not found in your ‘Crib’ but do you know Christ? It’s not driving a Lexus but living for the Lord. Someone handed me a card 18 years ago and it read: “If you meet me and forget me you have lost nothing. But if you meet my Lord and Savior, Jesus and forget Him – you have lost everything.” In life, don’t chase Earth’s goods but Heaven’s God. Jesus is the Answer to ALL life’s questions. Jesus was rejected so you could be accepted. He experienced grief so we could enjoy’s God’s great grace. He died – so we could LIVE.
Abraham Lincoln lost 13 times for public office then before occupying the office that happens to be Oval now. However, those loses led him to be arguably America’s greatest leader of all time. A valley is an upside down mountain and when God elects to flip your dilemma you will not only get “double for your trouble” but become a much better candidate and champion. Why? Because your character has been tested, tried and now found true. Don’t tolerate your loses but celebrate them!
Jesus knew what it was like to win but also lose. Sometimes, how we handle defeat is just as important as how we handle victory. Today, regardless of your profession ponder this point: your temporary setback today could be your eternal success story tomorrow! Plus, our dissapointments are often Divine appointments. Remember, if God be for you – WHO can be against you? Bishop T.D. Jakes said it best: “Be thankful for your “enemies” or those that try to hold you down because if they were on your team they would be broadcasting to the world that your success is all because of them!” If God is first place in your heart you are winner regardless what society or the score board says in life.
In closing, you may be down, discouraged, defeated, discredited, have debt, endured divorce, diseased and disliked but if you are not dead than God is not done with you. Get UP, go OUT and live for the Lord like never before. Learn to appreciate your adversities and always be mindful that sometimes we win even by losing.
“The difference between a Champ and a chump is U!”
Coach Larry Metcalf
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