Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
– Philippians 2:3
The legendary Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi famously said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” A simple motto that so many have subscribed to, it has changed the way the general population as well as business, politics and especially sports conduct themselves.
In a competitive culture, winning equates to success and success has everything to do with power. Therefore, why would anyone want to be on the losing side? As a result, winning has become the ultimate goal. Tragically, far too many have falsely based their identity on their ability to win. To maintain that sense of identity, no cost is too great as long as a perceived win is possible. Lying, cheating, stealing and whatever deceptive tactics that are needed to win become acceptable when winning and the success and power that supposedly come with it are the objective.
The perception of winning actually triggers a chemical reward in the brain. However, as with any reward driven addiction, it cannot be sustained because no business, sports team or individual will always win. For many, the crash and subsequent letdown is a harsh reality that too often causes people to lose their rational thought.
Take gambling for example. Winning is exhilarating. It causes the person to believe they actually continue on a “winning streak.” So they chase the win at any cost. In the process, something interesting happens. Winning just one time alters the brain’s reward system by triggering a massive dopamine release. That same dopamine release starts to occur during the anticipation of risk rather than just the win. This creates a powerful neurological loop driven by unpredictable outcomes, near-misses and the urge to chase losses. Instead of the belief they can win, the fear of losing begins to take center stage.
Unfortunately this reaction is not simply confined to gambling. The reason an all or nothing focus on winning is so dangerous is because it has a 0% sustainability rate and will always descend into a fear of losing. Losing success, losing power, losing one’s self. Inherently winning is not a bad thing. However, unlike Coach Lombardi, it can never become the only thing.
For the Christian, one of the sweetest moments in our public life is leading someone to Christ. We even call this winning someone to Jesus. But the motivations are much different than those of the world. To glorify Christ and testify to His wonderful sacrifice is the main motivation. That means the reward we receive isn’t for us, but for us to give to Christ.
When we focus on Christ, when our desire is that our identity is founded in Him, our character, our encouragement, our ability to love and even our integrity is changed. We no longer have to win at any cost, because Jesus already did, once and for all. Through His example, we do not count ourselves better than others or see them as someone to beat, rather we see them as potential brothers and sisters in Christ. Success is redefined in our life based on God’s standards.
The power that the world chases is eclipsed by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life. To say that our idea and motivation to win has changed is but a reflection of a changed and yielded heart to our Savior. Maybe the best way to say it would be, winning is everything because Jesus is the only thing.
