Winners and Losers

More presidential debates tonight. Someone will win. Someone will lose. (Not the debate - the election - because seriously these debates are filled with so much political rhetoric how can you even understand half of whats being said? And have you seen the way some of these networks cover the debate? It's like Football Night in America with 47 commentators. Shut up, already.) Sorry, meanwhile....

Society is always divided between the winners and losers. Take the recent Florida HS football game which ended in a 91-0 score.

What if the only way you win is if you lose?

When is the last time you heard a football coach, or politician... or anyone talking about football or politics frame things in that perspective? You'd be crazy to talk like that. Losing is not fun. Then you’re not in control. No one looks up to you. You’re not in power. You have no authority.

Watchman Nee said, “The question for the universe is, ‘Who will have the authority?'”

What if the only way Christianity prevails is if it’s defeated?

The Anvil

This is for a new acquaintance, Maggie (sp?) who I met yesterday at church. She was commenting on the 'Winners and Losers' from a couple weeks ago...

When will we remember that those who are “last are first”, that “unless something dies it cannot come to life” and that it’s okay to lose an argument? (When’s the last time you heard any preacher/politician admit to that?) Yes, it’s counter-intuitive and it feels like we are being hammered to death at times but Christianity is an anvil that has worn out many hammers!
from 'Branding Christianity' post.

(BTW - I've always felt like when you begin quoting yourself that it's a bad sign but the whole "anvil, hammer" thing wasn't actually original with me. I can't remember where I read it but it was hanging around in my brain and fit for the post. So, see, I'm kinda not quoting my self! Reminds me of something Rick Warren says, "The first time you use my material, credit me. The second time say, 'It's been said.' The third time say, 'You know, I've been thinking.'")