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Philippians 4:9 (MSG), “Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it and the God of peace will be with you.”
We talkin’ about practice!
Vince Lombardi is credited with the statement, “Practice does NOT make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.” Lombardi led the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in two Super Bowls. No doubt his Master’s degree in determination was evidenced in his locker room speeches and daily regimen of conditioning athletes to perform at the highest of levels individually and as a team.
He knew practiced players mattered. Seasoned coaches know that players earn their trophies at practice. They just pick them up at competitions.
Philippians recorded this principle long before the first football crossed the goal line. Paul exhorted believers to choose intentionality as it pertained to a higher spiritual standard of ACTION based on Truth. Just as a physician may possess a wealth of medical expertise, it is not until he puts it into PRACTICE that his wisdom serves others.
People matter! Choices matter. How we choose to fill our days and respond to others are choices no one else can own. Note to self . . . never laugh at my husband’s choices. I am one of them!
Bad choices may make great stories, but good choices are a better investment. Paul’s wisdom was to guard your heart and mind. Don’t huddle up with worldly values and chaotic input. Don’t intercept false doctrine. Execute plays that enrich the highlight film of others. How?
Go to God’s playbook.
Choose the things of the Spirit: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent fixtures.
These choices will bring our minds peace and our bodies rest. Put them into practice and expect to be blitzed or sacked, because you don’t have the home field advantage on earth. Suit up, take your position on the line, leave the smack talk at home, and preparefor a winning season. Your heavenly Coach has a perfect record and impeccable credentials.
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