What is winning?

Have you ever played in a game where your team got a fantastic result against all the odds? A game where all your team-mates had a stormer - except you? You had a nightmare; everything you did failed and you ended up feeling wretched! When the final whistle blew, all your team-mates went mad with delight but your first thought was one of disappointment at your own performance.

Have you ever played in a game where your team lost a match they should have won? A game where all your team-mates had a shocker - except you? You had a dream game; everything you did succeeded and you ended up feeling wonderful! When the final whistle blew all your team-mates' heads dropped like stones but your first thought was to rejoice at your own performance.

Have you ever played in a game where your team played a stormer and so did the opposition! It was a game in a blue moon, everyone played well. It was as good a game as you ever played in, end to end with everyone performing to the optimum. Your opponent played really well and so did you! When the final whistle blew, as in the other two occasions, the actual final score didn't determine your first reaction. However, this time, win or lose, there was no vanity in your gut reaction. It wasn't one of self-pity or self-congratulation. It was one of profound joy at having played to the best of your ability, in a team that played to the best of its ability against a team that played to the best of its ability! It was a personal experience of sport at its best.

What is winning? Certainly we are coming to understand that winning involves at least, playing to the best of our ability (Colossians 3:23), while at the same time loving our neighbour, which must include the person we are competing with (Matt.22:38). Would you add more, or do you disagree with what you've read so far?

Graham Daniels
General Director, Christians in Sport  

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