What Determines Whether We Win or Lose in Life?

Life periodically delivers up disappointments, some insignificant and others very significant. Disappointments cause us to examine what really matters in life, including the talents God so graciously has given us. How we manage disappointments determines if we go forward or become fixated in failure.

Whether we win or lose in life is not necessarily dependent on performance, but on conditions and circumstances beyond our control. Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, developed stomach cancer and died at age 50. Apparently it was difficult to please his father, who made life stressful for Edsel.

Living on the edge can create emotional and physical crises, as experienced by Edsel Ford. Pleasing God should be our highest priority, and this is possible when we love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

That’s asking a lot, but not too much for you and God.   

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For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!

~Deuteronomy 20:4 New Living Translation

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Blessed by God Most High

It's impossible to escape challenges that test your faith. Listen to David’s prayer for his people in Psalm 20: “May the Lord answer you when you’re in distress; may the Lord protect you by sending help. May he be pleased with your offerings and sacrifices and give you the desire of your heart so your plans will succeed.”

God will extend these blessings to you because of his unfailing love. In Genesis 14:18-20 Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God, pronounced blessings on Abraham: “Blessed be Abraham by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High who delivered you from your enemies."

You may not have enemies, but when you see God as Most High and love him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, he will be your strength and shield as you face uncertainties and challenges that test your faith. So turn back to God, whatever your circumstances, and trust him completely.   

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Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.”

~Psalm 91:1-2 Contemporary English Version

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Priorities and Pleasing God

The main task in life for most people is to get their needs met. Those needs usually include providing for the family and excelling in a profession. Of course there are other needs that are defined as priorities. Establishing priorities sets the standard for achievement and success. Priorities define purpose and hope for the future.

Most people’s priority is to please others if only to ensure peace and avoid conflict, which may inadvertently cause anguish and frustration. When pleasing others is healthy, it builds mutual respect because different opinions and perceptions are stimulating and enjoyable.

The Gospels indicate Jesus did not avoid conflict completely; neither did he instigate it unnecessarily. His intention was to please, and that was most of the time. Most everyone wants to please because to do so is rewarding. When we strive to please our heavenly Father, we experience joy. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A joyful heart is good medicine.”                          

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You can see that I am not trying to please you by sweet talk and flattery; no, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please men, I could not be Christ’s servant.

~Galatians 1:10 The Living Bible

 

When the way you live pleases the Lord, he makes even your enemies be at peace with you.

~Proverbs 16:7 New International Reader’s Version

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Rich Rewards from the Golden Rule - Part 3

Why should anyone take the Golden Rule seriously? The Golden Rule negates selfishness, but moreover it saves a person from himself. "Do unto others" means extending yourself to others.  It means giving yourself to others, not only giving, but giving with the right attitude.

In his book, Thanks Be unto God, Robert Rodenmayer offers three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving. “Grudge giving says, ‘I hate to;’ duty giving says, ‘I ought to;’ thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’ Grudge giving comes with restraint, duty giving says I’m obligated, thanksgiving is done with a heart of gratitude and opens the gate to God’s love."

Link "do unto others" as giving with thanksgiving because it pleases God. It expresses gratitude for the blessings God has extended to you. It creates feelings of goodness in your heart and soul. You’re richer because it's collects treasures kept safe in heaven by God for you. It's an alternative to rage, stress, and the cares of life.