"The sad thing is that people will denigrate all these terrific teams that have had great years," I said. "If teams don't win national championships, they're considered losers."
The subject of conversation between my son and me was this year's NCAA tournament. Cinderella-like, teams that weren't supposed to be in the Final Four were still there on the tourney's last weekend. But I lamented the way good teams are savaged if they aren't the last ones dancing.
And we don't just apply this "all or nothing" mentality to sports. It crops up in more consequential areas of life.
Like the American presidency. On many occasions in US history, losing candidates for the country’s highest office were re-nominated by their parties. Some won. Grover Cleveland won a term, lost a re-election bid, then ran again and won.
Today though, there seem to be no second chances in American politics. A pol who's been implicated in some hugely unethical act may have a better chance of being elected to high office in America than does someone who loses a big election.
American life sometimes appears to have become a stupid un-reality show. Like the savage masses gathered in the ancient Roman Colosseum, our thumbs itch to point down.
And part of our dismissal of those who lose after striving for the highest places in their fields--whether it's an NCAA championship, a Super Bowl ring, or the Presidency--is seamier than that, I think.
We resent those whose talents are more honored than our own. Their achievements make us feel badly for failing to develop those talents we do possess.
Perversely, when talented people with good work habits fail to climb to the peaks of their own Mount Everests, it makes us feel better about ourselves. We take solace from being able to dismiss the prominent or high-achievers as mediocrities. By our criticisms of them and our refusal to give them second chances, we effectively say, "They're just like us, after all and we’re going to make sure they stay that way."
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes, "By the grace of God, I am what I am." Here is reflected both deep humility and high self-esteem.
In first-century Christianity, Paul, who had once persecuted the Church, was a johnny-come-lately to faith in Christ, the "last of the apostles," as he put it. Some questioned his right to be a proclaimer of Jesus Christ, God-in-the-flesh Who offers freely forgiveness and eternity to all who believe in Him.
Paul responded that by God's grace--God's charity--he was who he was:
* The last kid picked, but picked nonetheless.
* Undeserving, but welcomed by God anyway.
* A sinner, but forgiven for the sake of his repentance and faith in Jesus.
Grateful for a place in God's Kingdom, Paul focused on being his personal best, rather than excusing his worst by tearing other people down.
I have a suspicion that if, like Paul, we dared to accept the acceptance of us that God offers through Jesus Christ, we would feel no need to drag others down. We would be so busy honing our own talents and abilities to do our best for God, our communities, our families, and ourselves that we would have no time (or patience) for making others look small.
Next time you're at the water cooler and people start playing America's favorite indoor sport, ripping other people, from politicians to co-workers, try finding something good to say about them instead.
[Mark Daniels is pastor of Friendship Lutheran Church, 1300 White Oak Road, Amelia. Worship is at 5:30PM on Saturdays and 10:00AM on Sundays.]
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