You're heard the phrase "born loser" before. It's possible you could know someone whom that moniker just seems, for some reason, to fit - they always come up short, or things just never seem to work out quite right for them. You might even feel like you're that particular person. If so, let me tell you something today that should make you feel a whole lot better: We were all born 'losers.'
Wait... that didn't come out quite like it should have. That's not actually the good news. What I meant is that because we're all descendants of the first man, Adam, at birth we all inherited his spiritual condition - which is a dead spirit, a spirit disconnected from the life of God. In other words, we were born already mired in sin; and because we possessed that inherently sinful nature, we were destined to ultimately 'lose.' Lose what? Everything. Regardless of any amount of 'good deeds' or outward 'success' we managed to accomplish in this life, we had no reward waiting for us on the other side except eternal damnation and separation from the Source of all life and good (Luke 18:19; John 1:4; James 1:17). Nothing we could ever acquire on our own would even begin to pay the redemption price necessary to save our souls (Matthew 16:26). So, because of the curse of the Law that had dominion over each and every one of us when we arrived on this earth, in a very real way we were all born and destined to lose (Galatians 3:10).
Okay, now, here's the good news: Somebody finally showed up Who was actually "born to win," and a whole new era began (Luke 4:19; 1 John 5:4). This Person came fully equipped with a winning attitude and the 'right stuff' (John 10:30, 15:10, 17:21; Galatians 5:22-23), and He became the literally Perfect Example to everyone that a man could indeed live victoriously over sin and all the circumstances the world is able to produce (John 13:15; Colossians 2:8).
This Winner was intensely strong and healthy in spirit, soul and body. He was prosperous in every area of life - yes, finances included. (Just think about it: Who in his right mind would bother to appoint a treasurer if there was only $2.41 between the thirteen of you? [John 13:29]) And, everywhere the soles of His feet got to, He smacked the devil around and ripped up a little more of his kingdom (Acts 10:38). Even in death, when it looked by all natural appearances as though He'd finally been dealt a stunning, crushing defeat... well, it turned out that was all just part of the Master('s) Plan (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). He used it as a means to buy entry down into the 'Dragon's Lair,' where He proceeded to open up a really big can on said dragon and secure an overwhelming and eternal victory (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 12:9-10). In short, folks, it was a complete and utter rout, just plain embarrassing - a vicious beating about the head and shoulders, a merciless paddling, an old-fashioned "took 'em out to the woodshed" whippin' (Colossians 2:15)... I could go on, put I think you get the picture.
And, that isn't even the best part (I always like to save the best for last). The Winner didn't go through all that trouble of example-setting and butt-stomping just because He didn't have anything better to do for thirty-three-and-a-half years. He didn't need to get any victories for Himself; He was in the position of victory before the curtain ever rose in the first place. That "Born Winner," Who came here and procured such a decisive victory by kicking the devil out of all authority, didn't do it for Himself. He did it - are you ready? - He did it for you and for me! That Born Winner - Whose Name is Jesus - redeemed us, justified us, cleansed us and raised us up to His level in the eyes of the Father, and all we need to do is have the audacity to believe Him and step into it (Romans 8:29, 30; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:6; 1 John 1:9). And when we do - and this is really too much - we actually become "born winners" too, right alongside of Him (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 15:57). Just think: we're no longer destined to lose; we're "inherent successes" continually looking for someplace new to happen! (2 Corinthians 2:14)
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