Playing for keeps.

Do me a favor 

Would you tell me which way's up? 

'Cause I don't know where I fit 

Do me a favor 

Would to you tell me when to stop? 

'Cause I don't know how to quit 

Do me a favor 

'Cause I'm playing for keeps

- Playing for Keeps, by Switchfoot (2000)

When you start having to put your beliefs into words, you will be surprised what comes out of your own lips. As I inexorably advance in age, I find this ability to verbalize my values and beliefs increasingly relevant. Indeed, I thank the Lord that He never fails to challenge my values, constantly testing the strength of my convictions, so that I may pass on my values with sufficient clarity in words and deeds.

When you start playing for keeps, the world you live in becomes a very different place. This is not because the environment has really changed, but because your mindset experiences a paradigm shift. There is no second chance, there is no round two in this life, because there are many things which I can only experience on this side of eternity. Every decision is important, even if it's something as mundane as waking up for school. I confess, I am no saint, and if not for the Holy Spirit's affirmation that I am God's own, I will consider myself a lost cause when it comes to being right in God's eyes. However, daily I am being sanctified, made holy. Not holier and holier, but holy, as in set apart for God's glory. Therefore, because of this confidence from God through the Holy Spirit, I can pursue good works and holiness not as a means to an end, but as an end by His means - the Holy Spirit.

Decision, determination, discipline.

I feel tired and exhausted, and very tempted to bend my beliefs for the moment. What a risk then, for me to be attempting to make a decision at this juncture in time! How shall I go about this?

In such moments, I must remind myself, to sift through my memories and revisit decisions. No, not to weigh one  option against the other, but to stand by the decisions previously made with determination. Determination is not tested when you have a clear mind, but when you are less than so.

Discipline then, is that most excellent habit formed through the work of prior determination, and permits one to consistently make the right decision throughout similar moments in life. Indeed, my determination is being tested right now, and I know I want to have the discipline to make the right decision in every instance of this temptation. There is great tension now. I will need a nap now to restore this mind to a functional degree of lucidity.

Forward unto dawn.

Fact: I can and will very likely be hurt by the very people I serve in the Kingdom of God.

Truth: The Kingdom of God is not for the here and now, but lasts for all eternity. 

Truth: I serve because I am not for the here and now, but I am carving out my story for all eternity.

Truth: My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, appointed me to this place, this position, and this hour because He knows I can bear fruit here.

Truth: Spiritual fruit find their embodiment in the hearts and minds of the people whose lives I touch daily.

Therefore, press forward. Forward unto dawn.