A slight change in letters can make all the difference in the world. Drop an “H,” and add an “N” and you go from a whiner to a winner. I like winning, I like winners. Most of you do as well. I know we love an underdog, but we really love and underdog that is winning! Here is the question for this Monday morning: How can we place ourselves in a position to win on a daily basis?
Let’s try these 4 steps:
- Commit to a Course and Stay On It! 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Determine a course and stay that course. Course correct as needed. But choose a course for your life that will honor the Divine and His plans for you. Think of all the would-be runners. First they get the best shoes and the sharpest jogging outfit. Then they map out the course. They are all set and have the best intentions in the world. But when that alarm goes off, they reach over and hit the snooze button. Then the next day, bad weather hits. They put it off once again. Their jogging ends up being limited to the errands they run at the office or to the post office. Why? Because their grand plan had no commitment to a course designed for them. Hear from the Divine and run your race. The Divine seeks a commitment that requires self-denial, saying “no” to the world and “yes” to Him.
- Fuel Up with a Healthy Diet. 1 Timothy 4:6 A proper, balanced diet is critical to a runner. The same is true for the Follower of Jesus. You probably won’t do well as a runner if your three basic food groups are candy, doughnuts and fast food. The fatigue factor will set in if a person doesn’t consume a high-energy diet. Just as carbs provide fuel for the body, so God’s Word provides high-energy spiritual food for our soul.
- Get a Good Sweat On. Athletes know they must work out. Physical discipline produces endurance. Spiritual discipline produces godliness. This godliness includes a heartfelt respect and reverence for the Divine. Physical training may be good for now but spiritual training will be good for eternity! God’s word can build up our strength and endurance.
- A Considerable Confidence. Training is hard work but it has its rewards. We have to believe our training is going to pay off. Christ-Followers can and should have a considerable confidence about the future. In a word, hope is confidence, a God-confidence that the race will go well. If I train, I have reason to hope that I’ll win the race. Today’s training determines tomorrow’s victory. Spiritual victory comes at a price. It requires discipline, training, and hard work in preparing for spiritual victory. But if we stay the course, victory will come.
Here’s some extraordinary news. We can work with a coach that has a 100% track record of winning. And He can’t wait to work with you, today!
Get Your Gear On and Go! … AChuck
