Go'n Take That "L" - Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17

Romans 12:1-2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 John 2:15-17 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

In modern times, to “take an L” means to suffer a loss in a particular setting or arena. It shows up in conversations around sports as well as everyday life.

Loss – Shannon Sharpe, “Undisputed” sports media personality, often talks about a team being served some “fresh, hot L’s,” usually when being dished out by his beloved “Old GOAT James” or being received by Skip Bayless’ beloved Dallas Cowboys. In the sports context, to take an L means to suffer a loss in the contest at hand. Defeated.

Laughed At – A person can also be considered the recipient of an L in interpersonal interactions when they have received a verbal assault, been thoroughly checked, “roasted,” or someone “came for them” unmercifully. It is a source of embarrassment and their responses are usually no match for the humiliating accuracy, intensity, and rapid-fire delivery of that conversational L. We’ve all been there. Sometimes, one just has to take that L and move on.

Left – Another way that a person takes an L is when they are left in some capacity. It could be left behind, left out, or left holding the bag. It might be a relationship that one just knew would last and went sour. It might be believing that a person, pursuit, or promise was on the up-and-up and giving it much time, effort, and resources only to realize it was not what it appeared to be. They were left alone, perhaps feeling sad, embarrassed, or helpless when it blew up. Again, we’ve all been there.

In each of these scenarios, taking the L meant experiencing some combination of loss, embarrassment, shame, or disappointment. Likewise, when we fall in love with and conform to the things of this W-O-R-L-D as opposed to the instruction of the W-O-R-D, we become candidates for unnecessary loss, hurt, and pain. Hence, the Apostle John’s directive in the first section of 1 John 2:15: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” The remainder of verse 15, and 16-17 explains why—it’s not of God and calls into question our love for God. Further, he implies the foolishness of casting our lot with a world that will eventually pass away.

Of course, the grace of God covers so, so many of our horrible and foolish decisions. Thank God that all our sins are not fully revealed. As a result, the consequences may not tangibly impact us in an adverse manner, immediately. Nor are the consequences as severe as they would otherwise be, sans said grace. But the spiritual consequences—broken fellowship with God and separation from God—alongside the natural consequences are not worth embracing the values and mindsets of this fallen world. Ancient and near history is replete with examples of individuals’ loss of reputation, self-respect, and even families and careers when embracing the W-O-R-L-D rather than the W-O-R-D. As opposed to the W-O-R-D, the L’s that possibly come along with the W-O-R-L-D are not worth the inherent risk. It’s an L we would gladly take (away).

Reflect: How does Romans 8:6 provide a sobering reminder of the chances we take when yielding to the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil?