The Right Call

  In a recent radio segment, I heard Hall of Fame quarterback and current Fox broadcast Troy Aikman make an interesting observation. He said very early on in his career, he was told by his offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese that just because a play works or doesn’t work does not mean the play was bad or a bad call. The play can be a good play and called at a good time but if it is not executed well it will matter very little.

  Often we, like lots of football fans, think the result always matches the quality of the idea it comes from. That just isn’t the case. Some good ideas fail because no one ran with it. Some good works never get anywhere because the way it was put into place wasn’t adequate. On the flip side, somethings succeed not because it was good but luck and chance gave it life when it should have withered away.

  When it comes to success in our spiritual lives, we can’t just hope the outcome is good. We need to follow techniques that are good. Bible study, faithful attendance, purposeful service are all good ways to ensure our growth. Are their people that do these and still fall away? Yes, but it doesn’t mean that is the fault.  Another factor might have negated the good that was being done.

  If we want to reach heaven, we not only need to be doing the things that will get us there but doing them in a full and complete way. Attendance means little if we sleep through services. Bible study won’t do us much good if we don’t apply the principles we learn. Being active doesn’t mean being attentive.

  We have the right plays from the right playbook, are we putting them to their proper use?