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But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

 

Now that football has started, I got to thinking about Vince Lombardi's 5 keys to success. Many years ago during training for a sales position they were introduced and have stuck with me.   As I thought about them, I could see how the keys could easily apply to our Christian mission.

 

Mental toughness is essential to success

An active prayer life and Bible study time are essential to keep your mind and attitude in the right place for witnessing.   Without it you become disconnected from the power of the Holy Spirit and end up doing things within your own power rather than through the Power of Christ. Having the light of Christ shining within you is essential to being an effective witness.

 

Control the Ball

Controlling the direction of a conversation about faith is important. Without keeping an objective in mind, you could be influenced down a conversational path that is contrary to the Truth. Don't be oppressive or controlling of another when sharing Christ but do keep in mind that the goal is to share the Gospel in love and truth.

 

Operate on Lombardi Time

This key simply means to be 15 minutes ahead of the rest of the world.   When you make an appointment or have a specified time for a service, make sure that you are there 15 minutes before the scheduled time.   This shows that you are genuinely interested in the appointment, or event, and gives you time to pray, reflect, and/or make final preparations.

 

Fatigue Makes Cowards of Us All

How true is this? When I am worn out I cannot do anything effectively.   It is important to take time to rest, to rejuvenate.   Even Jesus got away by himself for quiet time and relaxation from the intense ministry. Take some time to rest; you will be more equipped to serve when you are refreshed and alert.

 

Make that Second Effort

Is this where most of us fail? Do we give up when our initial approach is rejected? One of my favorite quotes from the sales world is "All sales are made by only 10% of all sales people; but only after the 10th call to the customer."   The same can be true when winning others to Christ.   This does not mean that you harass someone about becoming a Christian, but it does mean that you live your life in a manner that invites others to a relationship with Christ. It also means that we need to be ready to engage in conversation anytime an opportunity exists, even if previously rejected one, two, three, four or more times.

 

I don't know that Vince Lombardi was a Christian although I found a couple of references that he was. I do know that he had a great concept of what it takes to succeed that can be applied to many different endeavors. Following these simple guidelines from his playbook can help us keep our focus in order to effectively share the Gospel.

 

Blessings,

Written in a beautiful and engaging style, "Seven Men" addresses what it means (or should mean) to be a man today, at a time when media and popular culture present images of masculinity that are not the picture presented in Scripture and historic civil life. What does it take to be a true exemplar as a father, brother, husband, leader, coach, counselor, change agent, and wise man? What does it mean to stand for honesty, courage, and charity, especially at times when the culture and the world run counter to those values?

Each of the seven biographies represents the life of a man who experienced the struggles and challenges to be strong in the face of forces and circumstances that would have destroyed the resolve of lesser men. Each of the seven men profiled--George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, John Paul II, and Charles Colson--call the reader to a more elevated walk and lifestyle, one that embodies the gospel in the world around us.

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Christian Football

• Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the invitation.
• Draw Play - What many children do with the bulletin during worship.
• Half-time - The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave.
• Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
• Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.
• Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
• Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.
• Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.
• Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime."
• Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.
• End Run - Getting out of church quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
• Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
• Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service.
• Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.

 

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