"The Loser's Limp"

Today we have a generation of men who suffer from "loser's limp." Anyone who has competed in sports knows what is mean by "loser's limp." It's what happens when an outfielder misjudges a fly ball and misses the catch, or when a wide receiver drops an easy pass. They fall to the ground and get up limping. The purpose of the limp is to camouflage their failure.*

   We know when we fail in our efforts. We know when we fail in job performance, family obligations, or in our actions towards others. We feel the sting of our conscience pricking us. Feelings of guilt rush into our consciousness. Such feelings are troubling and must be dealt with. If we are honest, we will admit to ourselves (and others) that we have fallen short, and with a change of heart determine to correct the problem and determine not do it again. If we seek to justify our failures, we develop the "loser's limp" -- blaming some person, influence, force or circumstance.

  "I couldn't because . . ." is offered as justification for inaction. "I would have, but . . ." is submitted as the cause for shirking responsibilities. "If it weren't for . . ." is submitted as a defense for failure.

   Similarly, people develop the "loser's limp" when attempting to defend their transgressions, or their insensitivity to the needs of others. They deceive themselves, thinking they are excused or justified. Most of the time such limping is convincing only to the one doing it. Whether others buy into such excuses is unimportant; what is important is that the Lord's scoffs at such nonsense.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let as do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."

Galatians 6:7-10

   The next time you find yourself  falling short in your performance, don't feign the loser's limp, but stand upright and accept full responsibility for your actions or inaction. Then, and only then, are you in position to make the needed changes, to receive forgiveness from the Lord, and to have the support and understanding of others.

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"Most failures are experts at making excuses."

*from the book "No More Excuses" by Tony Evans