Devotion: Thinking Win / Win
A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:24-27
In Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he discusses the habit of “Think Win/Win”:
a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Many people think in terms of either/or: either you’re nice or you’re tough. Win/win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To go for win/win, you not only have to be empathetic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave. To do that, to achieve that balance between courage and consideration, is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win/win.
As we are in the midst of debates and election fury, my mind has been caught up in current political tensions. It is hard to talk even with friends and family about the candidates with civility. The media only portrays a lose/lose situation. And when we wake up on November 9, the nation will need time to heal and recover from an unprecedented election season. Throughout this past week I have been sensing what only could have been coming from God. “Where is your faith? I can move mountains yet you don’t believe I’m big enough to do anything with this?”
Convicted and guilty as charged, I concede that God has not been in much of my thoughts through this fearful season. In fact, I think I have taken the separation of church and state a little too far. Where is my faith when the fear of what could be outweighs the hope of what God can do?
God can make a win/win out of any situation.
God has proven that to me as I’ve watched how the death of a loved one can draw families closer. I saw it after 9/11 when our country showed solidarity by flying American flags out of every house and apartment window. And recently, I used high-profile statements of hate and attacks on basic human decency as an open forum for discussing my core beliefs with my children.
It may seem impossible to find a win/win solution for every situation. But when we remember to rely on God and to put our faith in His promises, when we ask Him to grow us into the people He meant us to be, people who are both humble and compassionate, brave and bold, then we have found the win/win.
Dear God, Help us to remember that You are bigger than anything this world can throw at us. Teach us how to love one another through turmoil and conflict. Improve us. Help us to be both courageous and considerate. Pour into us integrity and maturity. Strengthen our character. Grow our faith so that when we see something as too big to handle, we remember the times that you have proven your power. In the mighty, precious and saving name of Jesus, Amen.
written by Julie Anderson