This is a powerful post from Andy Andrews.
Commitment is the foundation of success. Not a single football game has ever been won without it. Commitment has been involved in every skyscraper that has ever grown beyond the first floor. Businesses, marriages, and schoolwork all depend on the quality of commitment for their success. By focusing on that one important component, commitment, we can plan our future.
Deciding just how much we really want to achieve our goals is obviously the first critical step.
It has been proven time and time again by our own experiences that we get out of something only what we put into it. We can accomplish extraordinary things only when we have planned to accomplish extraordinary things. And we alone can determine how hard we will work, how much we will invest, how late we will stay up, how many miles we will drive, and how much we are willing to endure to realize those extraordinary things.
Our goals, our dreams, are a reality already awaiting our arrival. It is only when we claim a successful future that it begins to move toward us. But first let's examine the past, because by studying yesterday's challenges, we can more ably ensure tomorrow's success.
In February 1519, Hernando Cortez set sail on the final leg of a voyage that was to take him from Cuba, a stopover, to the shores of the Yucatan. He commanded 11 ships, with more than 500 soldiers, 100 sailors, and 16 horses, bound for Mexico to take the world's richest treasure. The precious jewels, gold, silver, and sculptures sheltered on this limestone peninsula had been hoarded by the same army for 600 years.
The quest for these riches began several years before in Spain. Cortez, already a wealthy man, had heard about the treasure. For centuries people had tried to take it, to no avail. But ambitious Cortez knew that he could take it if he had the right kind of help. He decided to get more people involved. He wanted to build an army that could accomplish something that one man could not. So Cortez began to travel around Spain to talk to people and build a dream in them. Since he was already rich and successful in their eyes, as he told them of the bountiful treasure that was theirs for the taking, they believed him.
Oh, other people had tried, he told them. Columbus, Vasquez, DeSoto, Vespucci –all had gone to Mexico seeking the fortune. And all were ordinary people, just like those Cortez was trying to persuade.
"They are just like us," he said to his listeners.
"If they can do it, we can! And we will succeed!"
This got them excited. "Let's do it!" they agreed after Cortez's persuasive speech.
Of course, a few said, "I don't really believe there's treasure there," or "I don't think it'll work. But the majority of the people enthusiastically embraced the idea, and before long, Cortez's ships were in place. The soldiers were in position, the sailors were prepared, and the horses were aboard. And together they set sail for Mexico and the richest treasure in the world. But once out on the ocean, it didn't take long for Cortez to realize he had a problem. Some who were excited before the journey, had now turned into whiners.
There are always whiners. Cries of "I shouldn't have come," "This isn't what I thought it was," and "I didn't know we were going to have to work this hard," began to circulate among the people. Yet Cortez persisted, in spite of them, and made it to Cuba, where he took on water, food, and supplies. After resting his men and letting the quitters get off the ship, he began the final leg of the journey, formulating an idea that had never been used before. He created a system to motivate and train his soldiers and sailors that was unheard of in the history of the military. When they landed on the shores of the Yucatan, Cortez began training, coaching, stoking them, even. He would hold "seminars" in the afternoon and "pep-rallies" at night. They were reminded constantly of all that they were about to accomplish. Cortez painted a panoramic picture of the magnificent treasure that would soon be theirs. And as they marched up and down the beach, honing their skills of warfare, they were told, "This is just one of the beautiful beaches we'll be able to walk along when we get that treasure!"
Oh, but they were fired up! They were eager, animated, energized, and as they waited, trained, and prepared for victory, their conviction grew. But there was one more level of commitment that Cortez wanted to take them to, and they arrived at that place on that last, historic day, as they lined up to march inland. Before they would be allowed to seize the treasure that no army had taken for 600 years, Cortez would speak to them.
They were probably expecting something like, "OK, guys, we're gonna get out there and win today, and when we do, we are going to par-TAAAY! . . . Oh, and if it gets too tough, we'll just meet at the oak tree and come back to the ship." But that's not what they heard.
As they listened, Cortez leaned in and said three simple words that changed everything: "Burn the boats."
"Excuse me?" they must have said.
"Burn the boats," he repeated, "because if we are going home, we are going home in their boats." And he torched them. He burned his own boats, and by doing so, he raised their commitment level to new and astounding heights!
And an amazing thing took place: they fought well! For the first time in six centuries, the wealth changed hands.
Cortez's band took that treasure. And why did they win? The answer is very simple. They had no choice! It was "take it or die" no options. Their boats were burned.
Theirs is the attitude you must embrace in your heart and mind: you must burn your boats. What are the boats in your life that are keeping you from accomplishing what you really want? What vessels in your mind are keeping afloat the fear and doubt and frustration that hold you captive?
Whatever prevents you from achieving your goals and dreams is a boat that must be burned.
Unfortunately, when the bullets start flying, we make for the boats. It's just human nature. Doing anything else really requires a decision on our part. It's attitude more than anything. A willingness to work without the net, to burn the bridge or boat. What boat do you need to burn? It can only happen one way: by embracing a level of commitment that sees sacrifice as a positive thing.
So many people think of sacrifice as something that is taken away, and it's gone forever. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sacrifices of time, money, and effort are what we give to the game. How badly do you want that final result?
Are you willing to sacrifice more than anyone else? If so, then your triumphs will be consistently greater than anyone else's. Greatness your greatness will always be measured by the sacrifices that you are willing to make!
So strike a match to the anchors of your past and introduce yourself to the victories of your future.
Burn the boats!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Faithful One Psalm 37:28
I, Tim Darnell, am the leader of a Christian men’s organization that meets on Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM. We read and discuss scripture together and spend 15 – 20 minutes of that time on our knees in prayer. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and Christ-centered sharing. The discussions are deep, lively and fun all at the same time. We’ve been known to kid each other to the delight of all present and then turn around and pray to God for that same man’s personal concerns and needs.
There are 56 men on the rolls of that organization. We average 7-8 men in attendance each Saturday morning: 12% - 14% active.
Professionally, I own a marketing company where routinely only a small percentage of people do anything at all. Complaining? No, just reporting the facts - the way it always is and the way it always has been for me in business. I share these facts (exact numbers and percentages) with other CEO’s and they’ll inevitably tell me they run almost exactly the same numbers. I had one leader of a well-known international business say that he was jealous of my “high” percentage of active representatives – a sad commentary. But the percentages of “active” participants are predictable and the same for virtually all organizations, churches and businesses.
Moses was convinced by the people to send out 12 spies. Only two came back with the correct report. Let’s see – twelve divided by two = 14%.
Jesus healed ten lepers and only one of the healed men had sense and gratitude enough to thank Jesus for the gift of healing his horrific, debilitating disease. One in ten – 10%.
I’ve heard the 80/20 principle bantered about in business all my life. Twenty percent of the people account for 80 percent of the results. I believe that is a liberal number, if not incorrectly over-optimistic.
In churches, only a small percentage gives the majority of the donations. The numbers that don’t give, or that do give in a token manner is frankly appalling and embarrassing.
The fact is: the majority of people contribute very little to making things happen. I’ve heard this phenomenon explained as the “fear of engagement”. That sounds fancy and scientific at the same time. It is an on-target assessment that most people do fear commitment and sacrifice. In terms of time, service, contribution and production, engaging is indeed the opposite of avoidance. Unfortunately, those who truly engage are in the minority, while those who avoid are in the majority.
Others simply blame the majority’s avoidance of production and commitment – actually doing something in life - on laziness and greed. “I’m not going to give of my time or my money, and by the way, don’t ask me about doing either. Leave me alone. I don’t want to hear it, and I don’t want to talk about it.” Those are the same people who can be counted on to grumble about their situation, complain about what they don’t have, and criticize those who are stepping up to the plate. What an attitude! Can you see why God must be constantly miffed at the children (us) He created and loves with all His heart? On many occasions scripture tells us that, “the Lord’s anger burned against them”, this usually being the result of their wailing and complaining.
I want to encourage you today to take on a new commitment to faithfulness to God and to the ministry/serving that He has called you to undertake. Rather than negotiating with yourself, debating whether you’re going to show up or not at the next meeting, make a steadfast commitment to solid, regular attendance – attendance that others can rely on. When you are faithful, others will become more faithful by your example. Your ministry or church will be greatly strengthened by your reliability – your faithfulness.
Big Mistake
If we place personal comfort or “self” ahead of God, then we are making a major mistake. There should not be any of this “I’m tired”, or “I need to spend time with my family” excuses battling our commitment to serve God. If we put our comfort, television, or recreation ahead of God, we are making a major mistake with our priorities.
Common Mistake
Most people, even Christians in a church setting when asked, “what do you value the most”, will answer, “family”. That is a common, rational, and instinctual reply according to the world, but it is a mistaken priority. If we place our family, our parents, or our children ahead of God, then we are making a major mistake. (see Luke 9:61-62; Genesis 22; Mark 6:33-34; Matthew 19:29) God comes first, even above family and children. Some of you won’t understand this and may be shaking your head, but with time and study, you’ll come to understand this profound and exciting truth. Placing God as our first priority in life is the very best thing we can do for our children.
If we want our family and children to be blessed, then the best thing we can do for these precious people in our life is to place them in proper priority – God first and family second. You will find that maintaining the proper order of priorities in your life will reap tremendous rewards for not only yourself, but the very ones you love the most. We outsmart our self and may be risking much by placing family over God.
God rewards faithfulness, but be clear that scripture shows time after time that He does not reward non-faithfulness. Yes, He is merciful and good. He is love, Praise God. At the same time, beware non-faithfulness. Non-faithfulness not only hurts us, it can hurt our children. In Numbers 14:33, God says, “Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert.” God doesn’t want our grumbling and complaining – our unfaithfulness. No, He demands our faithfulness to Him as first priority. Get your priorities right and you’ll find that other aspects of your life will flourish as well.
As regards money, it’s time to quit debating whether or not you are going to tithe your income back to God. What tithing means is steadfastly taking 10 percent of your income and reliably and faithfully giving it back to God via donating to your church and/or the ministry of your choice. Quit debating about whether you can tithe or not. Simply do it. And God will reward your faithfulness. Failure to do this is outthinking God and withholding what is His – a serious mistake.
As regards service, if you are not volunteering and taking on responsibilities at your church, then it’s time you start giving of your time and talents to God. Anybody can sleep in – and most people do. Anybody can come up with excuses to not serve and to not give. There’s a pile of excuses you and I could easily list that anybody can make. But excuses are the meat and potatoes served at the table of the unfaithful. Don’t fall victim to thinking your way out of serving God and serving others.
Statistically, those who are faithful fall into the 14% category. If you are not already, I encourage you to determine to become a member of this elite minority – those who dedicate their life to faithfulness. Be the one who engages, who steps up to the plate and takes on the responsibilities that others shy away from. Don’t fall victim to your own excuses, but rather determine to be the biggest giver and the greatest server. Be the Faithful One, and you will be blessed beyond any dreams you can imagine.
“For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.” Psalm 37:28
If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don’t have to be perfect – I’m certainly not and I know you aren’t either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won’t you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.
Pray for divine guidance and understanding each time prior to reading scripture. Remember, you are reading God's Words written to and for you! This is extremely powerful, so get ready to be empowered!
Be sure to underline and/or highlight passages that stand out to you. You can even circle a verse or sections that really speak to you!
Reading the Bible is like developing a new muscle. The more you work out with it, the more you'll "get it". Don't get discouraged - be encouraged! Some books are easier to read than others. Every book contains incredible material - and soon it will start coming together into profound new understanding and revelation for you.
You can do this, no question about it. God bless you immensely!
There are 56 men on the rolls of that organization. We average 7-8 men in attendance each Saturday morning: 12% - 14% active.
Professionally, I own a marketing company where routinely only a small percentage of people do anything at all. Complaining? No, just reporting the facts - the way it always is and the way it always has been for me in business. I share these facts (exact numbers and percentages) with other CEO’s and they’ll inevitably tell me they run almost exactly the same numbers. I had one leader of a well-known international business say that he was jealous of my “high” percentage of active representatives – a sad commentary. But the percentages of “active” participants are predictable and the same for virtually all organizations, churches and businesses.
Moses was convinced by the people to send out 12 spies. Only two came back with the correct report. Let’s see – twelve divided by two = 14%.
Jesus healed ten lepers and only one of the healed men had sense and gratitude enough to thank Jesus for the gift of healing his horrific, debilitating disease. One in ten – 10%.
I’ve heard the 80/20 principle bantered about in business all my life. Twenty percent of the people account for 80 percent of the results. I believe that is a liberal number, if not incorrectly over-optimistic.
In churches, only a small percentage gives the majority of the donations. The numbers that don’t give, or that do give in a token manner is frankly appalling and embarrassing.
The fact is: the majority of people contribute very little to making things happen. I’ve heard this phenomenon explained as the “fear of engagement”. That sounds fancy and scientific at the same time. It is an on-target assessment that most people do fear commitment and sacrifice. In terms of time, service, contribution and production, engaging is indeed the opposite of avoidance. Unfortunately, those who truly engage are in the minority, while those who avoid are in the majority.
Others simply blame the majority’s avoidance of production and commitment – actually doing something in life - on laziness and greed. “I’m not going to give of my time or my money, and by the way, don’t ask me about doing either. Leave me alone. I don’t want to hear it, and I don’t want to talk about it.” Those are the same people who can be counted on to grumble about their situation, complain about what they don’t have, and criticize those who are stepping up to the plate. What an attitude! Can you see why God must be constantly miffed at the children (us) He created and loves with all His heart? On many occasions scripture tells us that, “the Lord’s anger burned against them”, this usually being the result of their wailing and complaining.
I want to encourage you today to take on a new commitment to faithfulness to God and to the ministry/serving that He has called you to undertake. Rather than negotiating with yourself, debating whether you’re going to show up or not at the next meeting, make a steadfast commitment to solid, regular attendance – attendance that others can rely on. When you are faithful, others will become more faithful by your example. Your ministry or church will be greatly strengthened by your reliability – your faithfulness.
Big Mistake
If we place personal comfort or “self” ahead of God, then we are making a major mistake. There should not be any of this “I’m tired”, or “I need to spend time with my family” excuses battling our commitment to serve God. If we put our comfort, television, or recreation ahead of God, we are making a major mistake with our priorities.
Common Mistake
Most people, even Christians in a church setting when asked, “what do you value the most”, will answer, “family”. That is a common, rational, and instinctual reply according to the world, but it is a mistaken priority. If we place our family, our parents, or our children ahead of God, then we are making a major mistake. (see Luke 9:61-62; Genesis 22; Mark 6:33-34; Matthew 19:29) God comes first, even above family and children. Some of you won’t understand this and may be shaking your head, but with time and study, you’ll come to understand this profound and exciting truth. Placing God as our first priority in life is the very best thing we can do for our children.
If we want our family and children to be blessed, then the best thing we can do for these precious people in our life is to place them in proper priority – God first and family second. You will find that maintaining the proper order of priorities in your life will reap tremendous rewards for not only yourself, but the very ones you love the most. We outsmart our self and may be risking much by placing family over God.
God rewards faithfulness, but be clear that scripture shows time after time that He does not reward non-faithfulness. Yes, He is merciful and good. He is love, Praise God. At the same time, beware non-faithfulness. Non-faithfulness not only hurts us, it can hurt our children. In Numbers 14:33, God says, “Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert.” God doesn’t want our grumbling and complaining – our unfaithfulness. No, He demands our faithfulness to Him as first priority. Get your priorities right and you’ll find that other aspects of your life will flourish as well.
As regards money, it’s time to quit debating whether or not you are going to tithe your income back to God. What tithing means is steadfastly taking 10 percent of your income and reliably and faithfully giving it back to God via donating to your church and/or the ministry of your choice. Quit debating about whether you can tithe or not. Simply do it. And God will reward your faithfulness. Failure to do this is outthinking God and withholding what is His – a serious mistake.
As regards service, if you are not volunteering and taking on responsibilities at your church, then it’s time you start giving of your time and talents to God. Anybody can sleep in – and most people do. Anybody can come up with excuses to not serve and to not give. There’s a pile of excuses you and I could easily list that anybody can make. But excuses are the meat and potatoes served at the table of the unfaithful. Don’t fall victim to thinking your way out of serving God and serving others.
Statistically, those who are faithful fall into the 14% category. If you are not already, I encourage you to determine to become a member of this elite minority – those who dedicate their life to faithfulness. Be the one who engages, who steps up to the plate and takes on the responsibilities that others shy away from. Don’t fall victim to your own excuses, but rather determine to be the biggest giver and the greatest server. Be the Faithful One, and you will be blessed beyond any dreams you can imagine.
“For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.” Psalm 37:28
If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don’t have to be perfect – I’m certainly not and I know you aren’t either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won’t you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.
Pray for divine guidance and understanding each time prior to reading scripture. Remember, you are reading God's Words written to and for you! This is extremely powerful, so get ready to be empowered!
Be sure to underline and/or highlight passages that stand out to you. You can even circle a verse or sections that really speak to you!
Reading the Bible is like developing a new muscle. The more you work out with it, the more you'll "get it". Don't get discouraged - be encouraged! Some books are easier to read than others. Every book contains incredible material - and soon it will start coming together into profound new understanding and revelation for you.
You can do this, no question about it. God bless you immensely!
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