Christ gives us the victory!
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor.15:57 NIV)
A strong work ethic back then
We live in a different kind of world in many ways than the one I grew up in. When I was a kid we were taught a strong, clearly proclaimed, work ethic. We were taught at home and at school that we must work to get the things we need in life. That life is tough for those who fail to work. That the world does not owe you a living. And that lazy non-workers were called bums.
Many have a victim mentality!
Today, many have the idea that the government owes them a living. The number of people on food stamps and other types of government entitlements is staggering. Many have a victim mentality.
It wasn’t always this way!
In one of his famous speeches, President, John F. Kennedy said the following: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask instead what you can do for your country.”
Things are very much the opposite today!
A few weeks ago while Susan was in a store, I waited for her in the car. A woman saw me sitting there and tapped on the door glass to get my attention. When I rolled down the window she handed me a note. The note said, “I am deaf, anything you can give me will help!”
She was a healthy looking young woman
I asked her if she could read lips? She indicated that she could. I then asked her why she didn’t just get a job instead of begging. I told her that I had deaf friends who worked regular jobs and did very well. I said that she looked plenty strong and healthy to me and that there are lots of jobs around that don’t require hearing.
She saw herself as a victim
When she saw that I wasn’t going to give her any money, she moved away from me and immediately approached someone else in the parking lot. She clearly saw herself as a victim and expected others to feel sorry for her and to compensate her for being a victim of deafness.
A dangerous mental trap
I believe as long as anyone sees themselves as a victim of any kind they are in a dangerous mental trap! The promise at the top says, “He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We never have to beg when we understand God’s abundant provision
Psalm 37:25 says it best, “I was young and now I am old, yet I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.”
Now, that’s another great promise!
Therefore…
“With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” (108:13 ESV)
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 ESV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Eph. 6:10 ESV)
“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Prov. 24:16 ESV)
Quotes:
“The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.” – R.A. torrey
“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe