I'm reminded often, implicitly or explicitly, passively or aggressively, that I'm a loser.
Well meaning people, and those who are just flat out mean old (and young) cusses with apparent personal 
problems, are at times quick to point out my flaws and how I don't measure up to their standards. Some are open about their disdain. Others try to mask it but usually fail in their attempts to be covertly contemptible.
It all leads to some seriously awkward situations when avoiding these folks is, in fact, unavoidable.
The struggle, one I fail too often to overcome, is to not act similarly in response. We tend to fall into the trap of treating others like they treat us. And then we look upon the other as a loser and the cycle spirals downward.
All that to lead to this David Mills post I found this morning that touches on it all rather profoundly. He called his piece, "Christianity Is For Losers":
Jesus called as his closest friends, his insiders, the first century equivalent of the plumber. When, after a long day, he shut the door and collapsed onto a chair, it was those guys he talked to. He hung out with prostitutes, drunks, and small-time criminals (the tax collectors), the world’s losers — and with the Pharisees, whom the gospels show to have been losers in their own way. But the first knew it and the second didn’t.
Because they knew it — the world would not let them forget — they were more likely to hear and to take the offer from the savior who said, “Take this. It’s a gift. You’re not getting out of the mess on your own. You’ll just screw up again, and again, and again. But I love you and want you to be happy.” Pelagianism is bad for sinners. The loser who knows he’s a loser can most easily give his life to the loser who died on the Cross.
You really need to read the whole thing as it likely isn't what you might think initially it's about.
An intriguing post to say the least.
My personal takeaway, likely an off-shoot of the intended point Mr. Mills was attempting to make, is simple.
I'm a sinner. I know I fall short and need some help. Often.
I've found that help in the Church and I want to do whatever I can to attempt to convince others they too can find help there.
Carry on... loser.
