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.