October 25, 2010 - Practice Makes Permanent

Vince Lombardi said, “Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”

Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Bobby Knight said, “Everyone has the will to win but few have the will to prepare to win.”

There is an old phrase that says, “Life is what you make it.”

So what are your goals? Your dreams? Your desires?

What are you doing about it?

The athletes I deal with often talk of dreams of playing in college or maybe even the pros. I ask them the same question, “What are you doing about it?” I have them evaluate their days and determine what their priorities truly are. In the grand scheme of things they have very few hours to work with. They have to sleep, go to school, eat, etc. Then they are left with choosing what to do during those few hours. I remind them that video games, Facebook, and television do not help them achieve their goals. I remind them that practice is what is needed!

Do your goals include the pursuit of holiness? Is godliness something you long for? Do you want to honor the Lord in your life? If so, then what are you “practicing”?

Matthew 7: 24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (NIV)

Notice that a wise mans puts Christ’s Words into “practice.” This is an intentional desire to look for and live out the Word. It is a daily commitment to practicing doing right things.

Philippians 4:9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. (NIV)

I tell players that practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent! Therefore you have to practice correctly. Godliness doesn’t just happen. It is a result of putting the Word into action in your life. How can you intentionally practice or do good today? How about serving someone in the name of Christ!