Monday, May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020 - Be A Student Of The Game (Diligence)


Typically in the sports world, the best players turn out to be not only the ones that are naturally gifted/athletic, but the ones that are committed to practice/training… ones that are students of the game, understanding the ins and outs, the whys…

The strongest man I know (and has competed many times in World’s Strongest Man competitions) was asked how he got so strong… and yes, he has some genetic advantages to strength, but his answer revealed why he was elite. He answered that he had not missed a day of working out since 7th grade! And on top of that he studies techniques, nutrition, etc.

The best basketball trainer I know is similar in his incredible work ethic; on top of that he has a degree in kinesiology… so he not only has a great work ethic but also understands how to train efficiently… a smart work ethic!

I love the old phrase: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!

When I think about our walk with the Lord… the race that we run… the consistent calls we have to a life of substance and making a difference… to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain…” (1 Corinthians 15:58), I am also reminded of another truth in Scripture that calls us to commitment.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us: Be DILIGENT to present yourself APPROVED (pleasing) to God, a WORKER who does not need to be ashamed.

Bottom line: If you want to be pleasing to God, get after it! In the past I have shared it this way, DO WORTHY WORK!

Side note: some versions of the Bible state that verse saying “Study to show yourself approved…” Study is one avenue of diligence that breeds success… in these crazy times of quarantine, one can be in the Word more… one can listen to/watch many worship services… in other words, champions are made in the off-season… take advantage of time “off the court” of life to grow. I watched a couple services this past Sunday… watched an incredible 5-hour conference online with the Free Grace Alliance… have been watching an awesome Bible study in Revelation… and when talking about the Christian life, studying of the Word (transformation of the mind) is the key! (Romans 12:1-2)

No comments: