You will win!
When Elon Musk presented the new CyberTruck, he hinted at the rationale behind its design by saying, “If you are ever in an argument with another car, you will win.”
With that positioning, he proceeded to outline why potential buyers of the truck were guaranteed victory. He began with performance: the CyberTruck could accelerate at sports car speeds. Then came the exoskeleton — the steel body meant that if an argument escalated into road rage, and push came to shove, this truck could out-pull even the most capable rivals, including the Ford F-150.
Thanks to its stainless-steel body, scratches and dents wouldn’t be a concern. And if the argument somehow evolved into a gunfight, the truck and its windows were designed to withstand projectiles from small handguns.
With that pitch, potential buyers were left with a decision: were they interested in winning, or in leaving their fate to chance? Those who wanted to win pre-booked the CyberTruck — a vehicle that was far more than just a truck. It was a truck for winners.
Now, for Christian men living in this competitive world — and considering our former sinful nature as men determined to win and insist on our own way — God, through His apostle, gives us a new posture. In Philippians 4:5, we are told:
“Let your reasonableness [or gentleness] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”
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In reflecting on this verse, my dear brother Daniel Bartsh shared two very helpful insights:
- Become famous for gentleness, not aggression.
- In many conflicts, resolving it (“agreeing”) is more important than what decision you agree upon.
In the kingdom of the world, the only desirable outcome is to win. But in God’s kingdom — into which Christ has called us — God desires our sanctification: that we may be set apart like Christ, dying to ourselves and our interests, becoming instruments fit for the kingdom work He has entrusted to us.
We are called to strive with one another — not against one another — for God’s kingdom to come, and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
This is how we win in God’s kingdom: Christ is the one who must win. Christ is the heir of the kingdom. He is the one who will receive all the glory. And our path to victory is through Him. Because when He comes, we will reign with Him..
You might ask, “What benefit will I receive from giving up my rights or my pursuit of victory?” The apostle Paul says in verse 9 says if you imitate him (one who has given up his rights) — the God of peace will be with you.
Wow! That is not a consolation price at all — it is more than a gold medal!! What more do you want? Give up your pursuit for any other glory- God promises us his very self.
What then should be our posture if we are ever in argument with another car (person)? Let your reasonableness and gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near! Amen.
