The Path to Victory: Overcoming Arrogance and Embracing Faith
Does it seem like authority figures are above you and destined to win, leaving you to accept a losing position and face the prospect of going to Hell? This perspective stems from arrogance and an initial stance of losing, without a genuine desire to improve. Why not just surrender to this defeat and embrace being a loser? However, hold your horses, because it is all about perspective and believing in a greater force.
According to the Christian perspective, Jesus has already won the battle between good and evil through His resurrection. As a result, those who believe in Him, including me, are victorious and children of the one who brought true victory. Belief is the key to overcoming Satan and hell. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 reminds us:
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’
O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
God made the rules, but with your best interest in mind. His aim is for everyone to be a winner, regardless of their position in life. Many who hold authority and possess great power in this life often miss the opportunity to have true authority and superiority in the afterlife. Think of Jesus' teaching that it is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. This highlights the danger of being content with earthly success without seeking divine assistance.
For those who feel they are at the short end of life's stick, there are still paths to freedom and spiritual victory. Jesus came to heal broken hearts and set the captives free. When the little guy’s dejected heart is healed and he is set free from feelings of being trodden upon, a remarkable transformation occurs. Suddenly, one realizes that being at the bottom of the totem pole was actually a blessing in disguise. It brings a new appreciation for the phrase, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
The Holy Spirit fosters a conviction that aligns with the importance of prioritizing one's soul over material gains. Thus, faith and belief become the ultimate keys to victory, not just in this life but in eternality. The path may be challenging, but with God’s guidance, the victory is assured.