Encouraging Word
Relating to sports, the term “A Game” refers to giving it your all, doing your best, and being committed. As we go through life and encounter challenges and adversity, there are areas we need to focus on in bringing our “A Game.” In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said to be alert, to be on guard, to keep watching and praying for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. What are some areas of our life that we need to be aware of and attentive to? I call these areas our “A Game.” They are attitude, appetite, ambition, attraction, and allegiance. If these areas are not managed, they will manage you.
1. Attitude. Attitude is a mindset or a way of looking at things with your mind. Our intellectual capacity is vital. Proverbs 23:7 KJV says, “whatsoever a man thinketh within himself, so is he.” Thinking precedes behavior. Remember the song, “Be careful little mind what you think.”
2. Appetite. Appetite is a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need. It can refer to more than food. What is it that you hunger and thirst for? Matthew 5:6 says we are to “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” God’s grace is sufficient to meet our needs.
3. Ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to do or achieve that requires hard work and determination. Our ambition should be to become more Christ-like (Romans 8:29). Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Our desire should be to please God, not man.
4. Attraction. Attraction is that which draws, allures, or entices. It is what captures your attention. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Make sure you have a clean heart, a clear mind, and a close walk with God.
5. Allegiance. Allegiance is loyalty or commitment to a person or cause. As Christ-followers, our allegiance is to God. We submit to Him and Jesus Christ becomes our Lord (Romans 10:9).
So, as you travel life’s journey, make sure you bring your “A Game.”
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
