Trying Not to Lose

  This mind-set causes an athlete to be more concerned about the runners behind than the finish line. More than one race has been lost this way (I speak from experience).This is a sure way to "snatch defeat from the jaws of success." Speaking of running, the Apostle Paul often compared living for Christ to running a race. In one place he said, "Run in such a way that you may win" -- not "run in such a way not to lose." 1 Corinthians 9:24

CASE IN POINT

  The one-talent servant had this mind-set. "But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the ground, and hid his master's money." When asked why he didn't try to make gain he replied, "I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground." Mattthew 25:28,25

LESSONS FOR US

  To succeed in living for Christ, one must strive to win, refusing to be encumbered with "trying not to lose." And put to good use the talent (ability) God has given us. Hidden talent is of no value to you or to your Master. Fear of failure must not keep us from doing the Lord's bidding.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set

before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter

of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and has sat down at the

right hand of the throne of God. For consider

Him who has endured such hostility by sinners

against Himself, so that you may not grow

weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3