Where Do Nice Guys Finish Last?

Answer: Earth (especially California). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy where I live and the opportunity to be a part of society. But this is the reality for those that posture grace, generosity, and self-sacrifice as strength. It is for the sake of Him that we go against the American popular image of manliness. I am often reminded of the example in the image of washing feet (We serve Jesus, when we serve the un-deserving or anyone in our path, really). The truth in our everyday existance is that we glorify competitiveness in our culture- not that all competition is all bad; I, myself enjoy friendly competition as I feel it brings out the work ethic in me that sometimes gets hidden in selfish complacency. When competitiveness crosses over into the brutally viscious attutude or is conveyed as macho, harsh egocentrism, it holds a different message. I have asked myself the question of the legacy I want to leave here and often thought about how fruitless it can be to put all of my energy into comparing and elbowing out of the way those who strive toward my same endeavor. I have those in my life who are tender with me and encourage me in everything while walking along side me. I also have friends, family members, neighbors who look at relationship with me as mostly a competition. Let us not forget that our mission is to spread the love of Jesus so that others may know of life in relationship with Him. FYI, nice guys finish first in heaven.