“…Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.”
Somewhere in the attic or basement are a few trophies from sports competition or achievement in some activity. It is nice to receive recognition and something everyone should experience, if possible. Many High schools have a trophy case devoted to their victories in sport. However, pride can find a place in our accomplishments, especially when we own the victory. The old adage is to be a good sport, humble in winning or losing. In a society of decline winning becomes more important than character. Character is the essential quality of our being, not achievement. Yeshua, (Jesus’ Hebrew name) put it this way, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36) What He means is that character is worth more than the greatest achievement. Of what significance is winning a sporting event in the light of prideful disgrace, arrogance, and haughty boasting? Mohammed Ali made this his publicity stunt, but after he lost the use of his basic faculties through disease, what could be said of his character?
Pride is a lie, as none of us achieves anything completely on our own merits; we have coaches, trainers, mentors, and help from others to whom credit is due. Moreover, God is due all glory and the giver of any ability or talent. To reject one’s true state of humility is a rejection of the essential quality of our character and soul. If we neglect our soul for temporal praises we have made a grave error and started down a path to destruction. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
How can we make wise investments into the quality of our soul rather than temporal boasting? Is your character or reputation worthy of effort to bolster and build upon? “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1) “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4) It is loving to maintain respect and humility whether we win or lose. People around us, our opponents in competition, even our enemies deserve loving kind responses from us in every circumstance. What good is a nation of “winners”, who have traded their soul for temporal pleasure with no future.
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