Nobody Wins
I recently heard a country song from a few years ago that I had never heard before. That’s not too unusual since I’m not a huge country music fan. It’s also not too unusual that the subject of the song was the breakup of a relationship.
The nature of the relationship is somewhat unclear, but what is clear is that the relationship is one of a romantic nature. Two people who have spent time together, who had shared a number of experiences, and who may have even shared a name were “calling it quits.” The song expresses a lot of emotions including, but not limited to, sadness, regret, frustration, and resignation.
The name of the song is the same as the title of this post, “Nobody Wins.” The same thought is expressed at the end of each verse. It is a thought that I have been unable to get out of my mind since I heard the song.
It’s over.
Nobody wins.
As I’ve thought about those words, it seems to be increasingly apparent (at least to me) that I really do not ever need to completely get those words out of my mind. Those four words have caused, and continue to cause, me to do some serious thinking.
My thinking has not, in any way, been limited to romantic relationships; whether those relationships are boyfriend-girlfriend, husband-wife, fiancees, or any other type of relationship that would somehow fit into that category. It seems to me that those four words apply in a lot of areas of our lives.
Let’s suppose that I get into some sort of conflict with a neighbor. The conflict might escalate to the point that would cause a court proceeding to take place. The judge or jury decides in favor of one of us. Who really wins?
Maybe it begins as an argument with a friend. Tempers flare. Voices are raised. Very unkind and hurtful things are said. Finally, somebody gives in or just walks off. Who really wins?
Maybe there is a group of people who at least claim to be followers of Jesus, the One who prayed this for all of His followers: “that they all may be one… (John 17:21). Despite His desire, some sort of conflict arises. Battle lines are drawn. People who used to worship together are now in two or more different buildings, or in the same building, but not speaking to one another. Each “side” believes they’ve achieved some sort of victory. Who really wins?
I suppose that those who read this could come up with other scenarios. I’m certain that I didn’t exhaust the possible ways that those four words could apply.
My concern is not about lists or scenarios, though. My concern has to do with how we treat one another. Specifically, my concern is how I treat others.
The reason for that is fairly simple. That’s because the answer to the question(s) I’ve been asking is simple. In fact, it is a one word answer.
Who really wins when there is conflict, confusion, alienation, hatred, etc.?
Satan!
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
