I find it almost too easy to see life as a battle-ground. Required reading for any person in business always includes the “Art of War” and “Prince of Thieves”. Both books center on how to fight battles and deal with political adversaries. Ruthlessness and concise planning are admired elements; compassion, mercy, and acceptance are weaknesses that must be overcome.
Declaring victory extends to everything – winning the discussion over what is that best setting for toasting bagels, deciding on where the family should take vacation, and even what type of art one might choose at home or in the office. Why is any choice better than the other option? The answer is simple, even as we want to deny the fact. One is my answer or preference the other is yours!
Think about it. Winning extends to almost every part of our lives – how and what we choose when we have a chose with our families, the preferred solution when we are working with others, and even the battles within as we weigh two alternatives on a personal level. Winning means there is a black and white solution. One is right, the other wrong. Whatever techniques are employed to gain the victory can be considered legitimate. We are at war after all.
Ironically when we win the question I am left with is what is victory? Does any of this really matter? If my view takes precedence over my enemy the question of “so what” still remains. If my opinion is the one that is final at what price do I pay in my relationship with those who are closest to me? If I maneuver and carve my way to be number one, what does this really mean?
Wisdom tells us not to “laugh when your enemy falls; don’t crow over his collapse. God might see, and become very provoked, and then take pity on his plight.” (Proverbs 24.17, 18) God might even ask me to give out unconditional grace, unlimited mercy, and unending love to those who lost. Come to think of it, he already has.
