It is easy to get pulled into a win-lose conflict in life. It can be something as simple as the battle for an open parking spot in a crowded lot. I am sure most of us have experienced waiting patiently for a parking spot, only to have someone else swoop in and take it. There are many times in life when we play to win, but many times we can actually win by surrendering.
One of the most well-known verses about this is Jesus’ admonition in the New Testament, “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39). Now, before you jump to any conclusions, let’s talk about what Jesus is saying here. He is communicating to not get pulled into a conflict. He is teaching us to be willing to be wronged. I will come back to three main reasons why the follower of Jesus should live this way.
It is important to remember Jesus lived what He preached! The most significant example was His arrest and execution at the hands of the corrupt religious leaders and the secular government. One of the more specific examples being when Jesus’ opponents harassed Him while He was hanging on the cross.
Their actions revealed how much Jesus’ godly life had bothered them. I guess we could call this JDS (Jesus Derangement Syndrome). The fact that He was on the cross led them to believe that they had “won”. In Mark we read, “So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.” (Mark 15:31–32).
One of the greatest obstacles in our growth as His followers is that we often become short-sighted when caught up in life’s moments. Jesus did not get pulled into the conflict of the moment because He knew God was doing a much greater work. When we respond to being wronged in a parking lot or in others areas of life is it really worth losing our cool and our testimonies over the actions of another person acting like a jerk?
Let me encourage you to consider three reasons why you should adopt an attitude of “Winning Through Surrender!” First, we know that we, as children of God, are part of something much more significant (than a parking spot). We are living for eternity. I love what the Apostle Peter writes about persecution; “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,” (1 Peter 3:14).
Second, our gracious response is a testimony that we are different than others. Living above the fray of life is a powerful testimony of Jesus’ work in our lives. Jesus put it this way; “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Third, why let an instance rob us of joy in Christ? We all know how this plays out as a distraction in our lives. Conflict only leads to more conflict. Our response in these situations is actually allowing us to be controlled by the actions of others! Paul reminds us, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all…
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17, 21).
Our relationship with Jesus has changed us. The next time you find yourself facing a potential fight over a parking spot choose to rise above it. Because you belong to Christ you can “Win Through Surrender.”
-Pastor Joe Parkinson