Call to Action

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The coin toss represents a call to action for each player in the game. Later this month the Academy Awards will present Oscars to those who answered the call, “Lights – Camera – Action.” These events shine a spotlight on those who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields. We often overlook the hard work, practice and rehearsal that got them there. In addition to talent it takes a lot of practice and experience to reach the top of any career. Vince Lombardi once said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” He knew that to achieve excellence in the big game you must strive for excellence in your preparation as well. Lombardi also knew that a championship team requires excellence at every position. When we honor individuals we must never overlook the fact that success is nearly always a team effort. The best acting performance may go unnoticed without the proper lighting, sound, costume and cinematography. The success of a quarterback, running back or receiver would not be possible without the effective work of each offensive lineman.

There are comparisons to be made between answering those calls to action with excellence and answering our call to live a God centered life of excellence. There is, however, one big difference; not everyone has the talent or ability to be a successful athlete or performer, but each of us has what it takes to answer God’s call to live the life He has planned for us. There are no spectators or audiences in His plan. We are each called to excel in our roles in church, family, occupation and community, but as in the case of athletes and performers it will take practice, experience and help from other members of God’s team (His church) to answer our call.

God’s call to action begins when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Then we learn to study God’s word and pray. Our prayers are answered as the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us and we receive the encouragement and prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. God provides us daily with experiences and exercises to test and strengthen our faith. Preparation, practice and testing are not fun; they are hard work, but our calling is to prepare for and fulfill God’s plan for our life. Following Jesus will bring trials and tribulations but He promises to be with us through it all and make it well worth our effort as we love and serve others in our own special way utilizing our unique God-given gifts.

I am convinced there are two things that keep us from succeeding in our Christian walk or anything else we try to achieve. The first is fear.  When I was a teenager I overcame my fear of public speaking with the help of the Holy Spirit in front of the congregation of our small church. Once my greatest fear was conquered my faith increased and my other fears started to evaporate. The second is laziness. Now that I’m old and feeble I am dealing daily with laziness and in some ways it is harder to overcome than fear. The Holy Spirit and my two dogs keep me moving in spite of my objections, excuses, aches and pains. With God’s help I will continue answering His call to action until I cross the finish line victorious.

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