“I’m about to do some work!”
I hear players make remarks like this often. Most of the
time this is stated when getting ready to play a game; it is a bunch of guys
trying to pump each other up and sound confident. To be honest it usually is
just a bunch of chatter to me. There is an old phrase that said, “Talk is
cheap!”
You see I believe the “work” is done when the spotlight isn’t
on; I believe the “work” is done without the roar of the crowd; I believe the “work”
is done well before game time… and then the game is “fun.”
It is really not hard to get someone to play hard in
front of a crowd; It is not hard to get a player pumped up for a game; during
game time “everyone has the will to win.” (Bob Knight)
Yet Bob Knight completed the last quote by saying, “not everyone
has the will to prepare to win.” [Yes I have
used this quote before in the weekly devotions; but it is too good not to bring
up again.]
Those that rise to the top of the rankings in their sport
- those that rise to the top of their profession – those that rise to the top
of their class academically – all have something in common: Devotion/Commitment!
They do “work” before game time…
I know there are exceptions at the youth level of sports
(where a 12 yr old is already 6’5” and dominating the competition – therefore doesn’t
have to work hard); or maybe the student that breezes through elementary or
maybe even high school – but trust me, eventually those that are devoted rise
to the top!
And you know what? The same is true spiritually! Some of
you are now trying to get doctrinal on me and point out the “work” of the
Spirit in this area. Please note I agree the Spirit is who empowers and
enlightens; yet the Scriptures are clear that we are to be devoted/committed!
“Instead, I devoted
myself to the construction of the wall, and all my subordinates were gathered
there for the work...” (Nehemiah 5:16) HCSB
“If only my ways
were committed to keeping your statutes!” (Psalm 119:5) HCSB
“’…I will bring him near and he will come close to me-for
who is he who will devote himself to be close to me’ declares the Lord?”
(Jeremiah 30:21) NIV
“This saying is
trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have
believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good
and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:8) HCSB
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