Articles
Commitment
Commitment
Vince Lombardi became a national symbol of single-minded determination. During his nine seasons as head coach of the previously mediocre Green Bay Packers, Lombardi led the team to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls.
Lombardi once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion with his commitment to excellence, regardless his chosen field of endeavor.” True to his word, his life exhibited an outstanding commitment to excellence. As a collegiate player, he was part of Fordham University’s famed, “Seven Blocks of Granite” line. He studied law, coached high school and college football and developed a rigorous and demanding training program that incorporated enormous discipline. He often observed, “Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.”
Of Jesus it was said, “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37). Can you image Jesus being satisfied with mediocrity, or giving Himself half-heartedly to any task He undertook? On the contrary, Jesus was willing to give His very life in fulfillment of His mission. Everything He did was characterized by a spirit of excellence. Through His life, He set the standard we are to follow. Peter says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
The Christian should strive for excellence in every area of life. Begin at home by being the best husband, wife, parent or child you can be. Seek excellence in the workplace by doing your work “heartily as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). Make every attempt to worship God with an excellent spirit that honors Him in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Commit your life to excellence. Away with mediocre. God can do tremendous things, when we are truly committed to Him. --Steve Reeves, Searcy, AR
