Evangelical Greek Free Church |
Perspective - Everyone loves a winner |
| Date Written: February 7, 2006 |
| On Sunday night Roger Federer once again appeared victorious for the second time conquering the Australian Open. After losing the first set he fought back in what seemed an effortless three sets to claim the match. Only after receiving the trophy did this apparently controlled individual allow his emotions to spill over, with tears mingled into his acceptance speech. Subsequently, he revealed the pressure of underlying nerves and feelings unbeknown to viewers, he battled to overcome. What makes a winner and why do we love the idea so much? Federer’s display of emotion gives us insight into the mental battle that competitors are challenged with. Sport psychologists believe that where two people are matched physically, it is the one with the greater mental preparedness that will succeed. Mental preparedness is defined as the control of the mind, before and during the event. But why are we so fascinated by this success? Winners encapsulate the successful struggle against adversity. As with Federer they can prevail over physical and mental strains. In the final analysis, no-one wants to exert themselves so wholeheartedly only to lose. The practice of watching finely tuned competitors battling it out in an arena is as ancient as the Greek Olympic Games. The arena culminated years of exertion and sacrifice into one final moment where if victorious he would be rewarded and acclaimed publicly. However, there is another competition we all engage in, regardless of our physical preparation, and even whether we’re aware of it, it is life. Everyone competes in it, there is no exclusivity. If you’re privy to being born in this world, your entrance is granted automatically. In this stadium it is once again the mind plays the most significant role, simply because most will struggle to achieve what they believe life should reward them with. Be it a spouse, friends, family, status, money, adventure, recognition, pleasure and the list continues. Our belief system or worldview defines our lives. The bible teaches that the hunger for purpose and meaning is a God given desire. We are driven to find meaning in the world we live in, it’s not sufficient to simply exist. When God is included in this journey, then the answer to who we are and why we are here take their meaning from Him. Life’s course, although arduous, takes direction; our minds have a focus, a “bigger picture” approach. In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, we read, “….I created them to bring glory to me; I formed them and made them”. (Isaiah 43:7). Therefore, God took pleasure in our creation, it was a personal relationship He sought to obtain. But how do we reciprocate such a longing, when at the very best God is a fleeting thought in the midst of our day-to-day activities? Jesus taught that He is the source of life itself and paradoxically to gain life, (restoration with God), one must loose it first, (see Matthew 10:39). We lose the old patterns of behaviour and thinking and are restored to God’s original purpose by making peace with our creator, seeking His unconditional forgiveness of all sin, and accepting this entirely on the premise that Christ paid the penalty of all our wrongdoing by His own death. Knowing you are truly loved also helps to meaningfully relate this experience with others. There is meaning because there is true belonging. The end reward of this life journey is not the fleeting acclamation of others or a perishable prize, but eternal and complete life with God. Forever free from the struggles, tears and pain once endured here on earth. This is the ultimate winners delight. |
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