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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Initiative: Living to Win Series





Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
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As Abraham Lincoln once said, “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
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Are you living to win?

I’m not talking about the type of “win” we’re accustomed to hearing about—winning an election, winning a contract or even winning contests. I’m talking about living life to win--the type of victory that Jesus Christ speaks of...making a positive difference in the lives of others through unselfish acts.

He said, “I died so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” He did it for us…you and me. Now that's winning unselfishly through love!

And if some of you think Jesus Christ is ancient history…think again. Even stock traders use history as their guide, according to Investopedia.

His opponents thought that crucifying Him would end his power, rumors of an everlasting life or the innate jealousies leaders had about Him. Instead, after thousands of years later, Jesus continues to create top of mind awareness, and the bible remains as the top selling book of all time--even after 2,000 years! No company, no politician and no marketing genius can compare...but they continue to try.

With a new book less than a month old entitled, “Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works,” written by two of today’s well-known business thinkers, former P&G CEO A.G. Lafley and co-author Roger Martin, who also advises CEOs on strategy, both explain the strategy for winning through the choices you make.

Under Lafley’s leadership, P&G’s market value increased by more than $100 billion dollars with guidance from Martin. They explain that strategy forces us and organizations to make specific choices about the future in order to achieve the outcome you want.

It requires clarity of hard thinking, creativity, courage and personal leadership. It’s about making tough choices to get on the path that will lead you to winning. In fact, the Mayo Clinic exemplifies that mindset by transforming the world of medicine. It sought to win by becoming the vanguard of medical research. Today, its strategy excels. Its reputation speaks for itself.

Similarly, applying the same biblical strategy, Jesus Christ emphasizes to trust in Him and to walk in the path He has set for us, He gave us the principles to win, while warning, “Don’t lose your reward.”

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.
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In short, knowingly or unknowingly, biblical wisdom is frequently referred to and echoed by companies, politicians and the best business minds. The paths you choose to walk in really do matter. In the end, based on the path you’ve chosen, you will be judged according to your deeds (Romans 2:6), regardless of who you are or your status in life.

So, choose to win. Walk in the right path. Leave a positive, long-lasting legacy from generation-to-generation. Don't lose your reward!

What strategy are you following?

You shall know a tree by the fruit it bears…create good fruit.


MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful...that's what matters to me.

Steve Jobs