The Heart Of A Winner ( A Reflection )

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I was inspired to write this because of what I’ve observed from SURVIVOR Philippines 2012. I happened to watch most episodes. I watched how the cast aways played. Some used their strength to win even to the point of hurting others. Most of the strongest men thought that they would be part of top 3 finalists but they were surprised that they didn't make it to the top because some were deceived, some were outwitted and some were outplayed. But in the end, the sole survivor was the man they least expected to win because he wasn't that strong in playing the games but he won because of his good heart. And for me, I was very happy and very satisfied with the result. He really deserved to win because he has a good heart, his attitude is extraordinary, very humble, very helpful, very kind and he did his best in every activity, not stepping on other people's toes but maintaining the right attitude. In short, he has the heart.....a good heart.

I remember what Solomon (the wisest Man who lived on earth) said,

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

But aside from that, it’s interesting to note that he also wrote that the heart matters a lot. He wrote in Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." 

The Message Translations say (I will include up to verses 27): 

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.Keep your eyes straight ahead;   ignore all sideshow distractions.Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft,  false testimony, slander (Proverbs 15:19).

King David became a man after God's own heart because he was a seeker of God. In his battles, before he faced them, he sought God's answers first and not only that but also, he served God in his own generation.

The beatitudes are all about the heart: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3-10).

Ruth won the heart of Boaz because of her good heart (see Ruth 2:10-12).

We can search the whole bible and there are so many verses that talk about the heart of people and the kind of heart that wins the favor of God and men.

Winning is not about how you can outplay others even to the point of hurting them…it’s not about how you know the game…it’s not about your wit…its now about how strong you are…it’s not about deceiving people just to get the prize but it’s about the attitude of the heart.

When Samuel the prophet was commanded by God to choose a king for Israel from David’s family, Samuel thought that kingship is about physical appearance...that it’s about the body built…that it’s about how a man stands up or walks but God reminded him not to consider their physical appearance but to look at the heart. So David was chosen, a man after God's own heart.

How do you become a winner? Do you outwit others? Do you step on other people’s toes just to be on top? Do you forget that attitude matters a lot?

What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Matthew 16:26 The Message).

Guard your heart. You are already a winner if your heart is good…if your heart is pure.

Copyright © 2012 by Mari Ann Rose "Mariah" F. Gadapan . All rights reserved worldwide. 

I put "copyright" on my every post because this is my blog site, it's like my signature on my every post. 

By the grace of God I am what I am.