Attitude and Triumph

As we celebrate the many wonderful stories of Olympic triumph
and victory,* I am reminded of God’s teaching about attitude and triumph.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal
procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the
knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are
being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death;
to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so
many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ
we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God” (2 Cor. 2:14-17).

Paul teaches an amazing truth! He says that God always
(not sometimes or even most of the time) leads us in victory. This is what our
attitude should be. This is how we can “give thanks in all circumstances” (1
Thes 5:17). Just as the Olympic athletes overcome adversity to compete and
triumph, God does not want our circumstances to render us unproductive and
without hope.

The fruit is that we will possess a fragrance that will attract
those interested in truth. That fragrance will also repel those uninterested in
the truth. Are you struggling in the midst of uncomfortable and unwanted
circumstances? Seek God’s truth and ask Him to give you a victorious attitude
that is a blessing to those around you.

*Written August 1996.

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