Playing to Win in 2010...

Discipline/Commitment

So, the question is; 15 days into 2010, how many resolutions have you already given up on? How many goals seem out of reach already? It's sad to say, but, if you admit it, I'm sure that there is some promise,goal or resolution that you've already resolved to try again next year. The good news is if you want to succeed, YOU CAN!!! The secret is simple; in all situations and under every circumstance, you must Play to Win!

Not long ago, I read a scripture that spoke to my heart... and it became my motto, and our church's rallying cry for this year. The text is found in Matthew 25:1-13. For the the sake of time, allow me to summarize: The passage opens with 10 virgins preparing for a wedding feast (during that period, the bridegroom and his party would come to the home of the bride, and the bride's party[virgins] would light their lamps to provide illumination for the groom and his associates to see). The scripture describes 5 of the virgins as being wise, because they had come with their lamps and plenty of oil, in case the groom's arrival was delayed. However, it appears the virgins that were termed foolish, simply grabbed their lamps with whatever oil was in them. As is always the case when we're waiting, and waiting anxiously, the object of our anticipation, was delayed. So, while the delay was in progress, ALL of the virgins decided to relax, and take ten. Actually, the Bible termed it as "they slumbered and slept". Finally, when the groom and his party arrived, the foolish virgins began scrambling at the last minute to find oil. They even had the nerve to ask the 5 wise virgins that had taken the time to prepare, to give them some of their oil. The foolish virgins were then politely told, "No, go buy your own". Once the groom had arrived, the door to the feast was shut. Although, the foolish virgins returned with plenty of oil, the groom upset that they had not taken their responsibilities more seriously, denied their entry and sent them away. Sadly, they had arrived with great and high hopes, only to be dissapointed and disillusioned. It appears that, had the foolish virgins given as much thought to what was necessary for the party, as they had thought about enjoying the party, the ending would have been very different. In summary, had their preparations risen to the level of their expectaitons, they would've been in da' house! The foolish virgins just wanted to get into the game to make a showing, but that wasn't enough for the wise virgins, they decided to Play to Win!!!

Thus, came the great revelation. Think about it. The foolish virgins had just as much invested as the wise virgins did. They had cancelled any other plans, gotten up, gotten their lamps, gotten dressed in their best "I'm going to get myself a husband" duds, traveled to the party site and waited.... and waited .... and waited some more. Up until the bridegroom arrived, the effort and time invested was virtually the same for all, EXCEPT for the small amount of forethought and effort it took the wise virgins to make sure they had enough oil. To think, just a few minutes, sometimes a few seconds, could make such a difference. Honestly, if you think about it, most things are like that: just a little extra thought, attention or effort is what separates us from the rewards of the success we desire. Just a little more study time will raise your class grade from a B to the desired "A"...saying no to that second helping or dessert would have resulted in the loss of one more pound each day, that would have accumulated to that 10 pounds that you did not loose during the last 2 weeks. A little more time practicing free throws... a little more time spent with your family...a little more time spent with God... you get the idea.

From the passage of scripture I have identified 5 steps to guarantee your success as you Play to Win in 2010. I'll share those with you in a few days. Until then, stay blessed.


Good success is yours if you "Play to Win in 2010". Get all the tips for success, follow this blog or contact me at byronravnell@gmail.com