Christian Living

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I have often been tempted more than once to quit working on a project and just say “forget it”. My problems seem overwhelming from time to time and giving up is the easy out. But this phrase caught my eye and I read more about the obvious difference between winning and quitting. These two words are completely the opposite of what I was expecting to see. A winner is someone who perseveres to the very end, not someone who quits along the way. Where did I see the phrase that caught my attention? I saw this phrase over the weekend on a billboard designed to advertise casinos. The idea was that anyone who gambles should know their financial limit and quit before they lose more than they can afford to lose.

I really don’t know too much about casinos but some states permit casinos to help bring in extra money. Other states are in direct opposition to the idea. When the bill is presented again and again before the legislature, the people vote against allowing them in the state. I happen to live in Arkansas, one of the states where casinos and gambling are not allowed.

Billboards in the states that permit casinos beckon to anyone traveling down the highway. It sounds so convincing that many people stop and take a chance. Winning some extra money would certainly help out with expenses but how many people actually come away as winners? To help those who are willing to visit and take a chance, there are places that will “help” assure anyone of a good cash flow. Places that promise quick cash will lend money on your mortgage. Pawn shops will loan money on expensive jewelry or guns and other items.

Advertising makes it sound so easy. All sorts of promotions plead for the traveler to consider stopping along the way. One casino had a drawing for a car…one car given away each week through February and March. All anyone had to do was be there in person. It didn’t mention the amount of money that was spent in the casino was what determined exactly how many tickets were issued. The more anyone spent gave them the greater the number of tickets or chances to win the prize.

Promotional advertising is not restricted to billboards. I’ve noticed that poker tournaments are now broadcast on television. These tournaments make it sound like it’s easy to win huge “pots” as long as the player knows the right strategy. Winners who are not afraid to put $1,000 or more into the “pot” are tempted with the hopes of winning $10,000 or more. Professional players spend their playing in tournaments and hoping to get recognition. Those players earn amounts from ½ a million dollars and higher. Some players will bluff their way through the hand when they have absolutely nothing. Others play only when they have a really good hand. Maintaining a poker face is important and even such things as a blink of the eye, the twitch of a muscle, or a slight body movement will tell professional players when someone has a good hand.

Using the mail to keep players coming back is another technique that is used by casinos. Inexpensive room rates and complimentary meals with very reasonable prices and endless buffets are advertised. Hotel stays give reduced rates for staying one night. If casinos can get anyone to come then logically they will spend money. Coupons are sent with incentives to assure that even the one time visitor is reminded to set aside a visit to the casino on a weekend to have fun.

One person that I know lost his job recently and had trouble finding work. He is in his late 50’s and the job market is scarce for high paying jobs in that age bracket. He is rather wealthy but he wants to keep his mind occupied. He now spends his time as a gambler trying to make extra money. I’m sure that he may win from time to time but if he really makes any money without occurring any loses is another question.

I John 5:4 gives me insight into the way that I can be a winner win with Christ. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”. As a Christian I need to focus on Christ so I can keep on the right path. I do not need “get rich quick” schemes or any of man’s promotional gimmicks to help me along the way. Sure, I am tempted and sometimes the urge may be hard to control.

What one of us hasn’t sometime dreamed of winning the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes, hitting it big in the lottery or at the horse races? Perhaps coming home with a huge jackpot from a casino seems attractive. Maybe a rich relative will pass away and leave me a large inheritance that will help to pay my bills. Many people vie for a space on a reality show like the “Apprentice”, “American Idol”, “Amazing Race” or “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” On shows like this the prize is recognition that will bring fame and fortune. On some of the shows monetary reimbursement is part of the package deal. If I am totally honest, I have at least given some thought about winning enough money so that I can live on “easy street”. It would be nice to be out of debt and not have to worry financially about money for the future. Now that I am older, I realize that money does not buy happiness. It just sounds appealing.

Life for most people is not winning prizes and getting "free" money. Some of the most caring and happy people are the ones who have very little possessions in this world but have treasures in heaven. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.” (I Corinthians 9:24) Notice that word “temperate”. It means being self-restrained in behavior. Am I self-restrained when I allow myself to follow through with trying to win the race by gaining self-gratification? The only way to really come out ahead is to keep my eyes on God. I have to be sure that I don’t let the temptations of the world take my focus away from His face or His Word.

Consider the phrase again “winners know how to quit”. Winners of the race for eternal life and the crown of life know when it is time to put their life into God’s hands. Knowing when to quit playing man’s games and recognizing the majesty and authority of God is becoming a “winner who knows when to quit”. My priorities are in order and I will run the race successfully. And, if along the way I fail, I only have to ask God’s forgiveness and let Him direct me on the right path.

Paul, a missionary to many of the churches in the New Testament makes this statement. ”I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). His [God’s} race will test our fortitude but if I look towards Christ, then I will win the greatest prize of all. I become a winner when I focus on God and His will for my life. I may stumble and fall along the way but I can overcome the obstacles with His help. The real overcomers in life are the ones who walk with God and center their lives fully on His path. Those are the ones who win the real race, the race for a heavenly crown.

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