Happy To Lose?

Happy to Lose?

When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

James 1:2

I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God. . . . And I want all of you to share that joy.

Philippians 2:17

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. . . . You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

Hebrews 10:32, 34

Nobody likes to lose. We don’t like to lose sports competitions. We don’t like to lose our money or our possessions. We don’t like to lose jobs, elections, or friends. Can you imagine anyone being happy when he or she loses?

In the Bible we read about people who were actually happy when they lost. It tells about a group of Christians who lost their businesses, homes, good reputation, and security. And yet they accepted these losses “with joy.” How could they do that? The Bible says it was because they “knew there were better things waiting for [them] that will last forever.” They were confident that there was something better than everything they’d lost, something that was already waiting for them that they would one day enjoy.

But actually the “better things” are not really things. The better things are the person of Jesus and the salvation he offers. God offers us a relationship of acceptance, fellowship, and enjoyment for eternity, and that’s going to make everything we’ve lost here worth it. That’s why we can be happy when we lose here. It’s why we can live free from the fear and greed that could have kept us chained to security, safety, ease, and comfort. All our losses here remind us that we have something better than what we’ve lost, something better that’s waiting for us in heaven when we see Jesus.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What is the most precious thing you’ve ever lost?

How do we know there are better things waiting for us? How can we increase our confidence in this truth?

Is there anything in your life you’re afraid to lose? Is that thing holding you back from serving God?