Back To Back

No matter what arena you attempt it in, winning championships, salesman of the year, elections or whatever else you may consider, it is most difficult to sustain excellence in succession. As my beloved Georgia Bulldogs celebrated their back to back championships Coach Kirby Smart uttered these words:

"When entitlement creeps into your program you're in trouble."

In so many ways this statement illustrates life's problems. Take a recovering addict for example who has busted it beyond belief just to make it a year clean against all odds and through excruciating pain to get there. They pick up that chip and then reality sets in, what do I do now? Well, you do the same things that got you where you are now only you add more positive friends and things that give you a spark.

And then you give back. That's right that's what the scriptures, the Big Book of A.A., and even the players on Georgia's team say. One of the key reasons for their success, the Brotherhood and the selfless play that allows others beside yourself to succeed. We cannot make an extended championship run in life unless we adhere to the principles that build winning lifestyles.

Entitlement says I have this all together therefore I am good. Entitlement says now that I have won I don't have to work as hard. Do you know why there are so many frustrated Christians? After surrendering their lives to Christ they thought He should do all the work now and neglected to read that scripture that spoke of working out you own salvation. When saved that doesn't mean we are solved.

God gives us the tools now, including his Spirit to guide us through the trials of life toward that Championship ring when we get to heaven. For the addict, neglecting to have God in their program makes them believe they can do it on their own, which usually results in an epic fail. For a football player failing to put in the hard work doing the basics of blocking and tackling all over again, this also breeds failure.

Doing it over and over again with sustained success is hard, but it is the role of a champion. I will let the words of the Apostle Paul close out this blog which can apply to all facets of life: 

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself will be disqualified. 1 Cor 9:27 NLT 

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