The View of an Overcomer

For years I struggled with the substance of my Christianity; similar to how many African-American kids growing up in the suburbs would struggle with the substance of their blackness.  Looking back, I can see this came from being around and in a culture that celebrated struggle while inadvertently shunning success.  The norm was to honor the grueling test more than the victorious testimony; the ol' "coming up the rough side of the mountain" syndrome.  It took a while to realize the notions aren't valid, and that a relationship with Jesus has more to do with what He did and is less about what we've done or been through...good or bad.  Still, in many circles when winning or overcoming is mentioned, the tendency is to look at things other than...winning or overcoming.  In my mind, this is so common that many people inaccurately are leading others to falsehoods about what success entails.  Then there are others, like I was, who are looking for that devastating event or series of events that they believe will validate them.  And still there are others more who believe they have overcome...when they are actually still in the same position of bondage.

Briefly, I'll share three things about what true overcomers believe and practice.  Many of you will find at least one of these items in you....others won't, and have now been presented the opportunity to consider them.  However, before we look at that, it's important to know that true victory lies only with Jesus Christ.  Through Him we've been given the only victory that counts, which is eternal life with God (1 Corinthians 15:57).  So if you think I'm referring to financial, social, or vocational success only, you're already losing.  Moving forward...

True Overcomers Don't Glorify What They've Overcome.  I knew a small time drug dealer whose career came to an abrupt end after he was robbed and shot.  Shortly after that, he committed his life to Christ.  Though he was set free, anytime he was around anyone new he would tell the tale about his dope days and his wounds as if he just quit the corner three minutes ago.  In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord God says "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?"  When one continues to express the old wrong they did and not what God did right, not only do they get implications that they're still in the wrong, but they also fail to realize their bright future in Christ.  Think about this, if one keeps telling about how they were evil while minimizing how good God is, can they really be taken seriously about no longer being evil?

True Overcomers Don't Idolize the Spoils of Their Success.  The term new money derives from people whose behavior sharply changes (usually for the worse) after financial increase.  They don't just buy the car, they send you a picture of it....four times.  It would appear that they are celebrating what God has done, but their superficial actions are addressed in scripture in several places, including Matthew 6:32, which says it's actually people who don't know God that act this way.  This isn't just related to money or possessions, though.  Personality is also included.  1 Corinthians 10:12 says "let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  To that end, a person who truly overcame isn't overconfident and offensive about their survival.  Adversely, the person who has a false sense of overcoming is just that; and unfortunately has a real sense of insecurity.

True Overcomers Serve.  When the Samaritan woman that met Jesus at Jacob's Well in John 4 realized her victory and freedom, she immediately went to her home village and told others about Him.  Their response was that it was her testimony that brought them first to Christ, and then after hearing Him talk they believed for themselves.  How can a person overcome and not want to help others who are left behind?  Not only is this the expected move, it really should be an automatic reaction.  Still, our culture is saturated with individuals who are indeed eternally and earthly victorious, but only want to be on display and not on duty.  But it's my belief that truly enlightening those who walked in darkness with you is a feeling and has a reward that can't be matched.  Besides, if you horde your success, are you really successful?

Some things to think about, but don't think too hard...because you're already a winner.

Peace