Thursday, May 2, 2013

Win-Win. Or Is There Something Else?

In one of the classes I assist, the students are learning how to negotiate. One of the sections is about finding a win-win solution to a problem. That is a popular way to try and negotiate differences, as it offers a way for both parties to get at least part of what they want. Steven Covey was a popular proponent of this approach. While this is probably a good way for nations, corporations, etc. to handle ironing out conflict, I believe that there may be something else for those of us who follow Jesus.

The kingdom that Jesus is over is a kingdom that is upside down according to the world's way of looking at things. The kingdom was inaugurated when the King allowed the most powerful kingdom of that day, and the power behind that kingdom, to put him to death. This King called his followers to take up their cross, to lose their lives for his sake, and to love sacrificially. He called us to turn the other cheek and do good to those who treat us badly. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Paul tells the church in Corinth to allow themselves to be defrauded rather than hurt the witness of the church. Sounds a little different from win-win, doesn't it?

What if followers of Christ began to give up their rights and wants in favor of what their brother or sister desired? What if, instead of convincing others to do it our way, we gave in. What if we were willing to lose, if it benefited a brother or sister and built up the kingdom? What do you think would happen if we all decided to lay down our lives for others in the church? What if we all decided to die to our own agendas, our own desires, our selves?

I suspect the church would look a whole lot different than it does now. But, that's just me.

2 comments:

kc bob said...

Good stuff Fred. Another way that embrace this win-win mentality is in the way that we do not look out for the needs of others.

I try to be aware of my desire to get a good deal at the expense of the person selling an item. Sometimes our version of a win-win looks more like a lose-win from the other's perspective.

I do wish that believers embraced generosity (letting the other person win) more than we do. It amazes me how cheap we are and how we do not have a heart for the poor among us. Perhaps the paying of higher taxes and outrageous charitable giving are too much of a sacrifice for some?

Thanks for the post! Have a great weekend!

Fred Shope said...

Thanks Bob. You have a great weekend too!

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