What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (Philippians 1:18 ESV)
Winning
I once gave my allowance (an amazing 25 cents back then!) to an annoying neighborhood girl. She had been following me around for days, and I wanted her to leave me alone. In desperation, I gave her my allowance so she would toddle off to the local corner store.
My mother observed, and praised me for my generosity. But she was incorrect. I was not generous. My donation to Roxanne while on the surface commendable, had utterly selfish motivation.
Our motivations are often less than stellar. Even when we perform a kind act, it is often for personal gain. Even when we help someone, we maneuver for praise. Even when we act unselfishly, we do it for selfish reasons.
But do not despair.
Because one of the amazing things Christ does is take our poor offerings, and use them for His glory. No matter our poor efforts, unwilling choices, or selfish motivations, our King Jesus will still win. His Kingdom comes. His will is done.
In no other relationship or situation do our failures get turned into victories. But Jesus does that for us, in us, through us, and in spite of us.
His gracious and merciful forgiveness actually extends to using our sinfulness to accomplish His amazing plans.
He always wins. And He pulls us along with Him.