SACRIFICE TO WIN by Robert Soto

SACRIFICE TO WIN by Robert Soto

January 14, 2010

I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Freedom always comes with a price. Being a winner or accomplishing something always comes with a price. It takes dedication and determination to accomplish anything in life. Most things do not happen overnight. Losing weight comes with sacrifice and commitment on your part. Winning a prize or a contest comes with the understanding of 'no pain, no gain'. I remember hearing a story once about a lady who was attending a piano concert. When the pianist finished his piece, that lady approached him and said, "I have always wanted to play the piano like that." To her surprise the pianist said, "No you don't." To this she responded, "Yes I do." One more time he said, "No you don't." Finally she said him, "Why do you keep telling me I do not when I really want to play the piano like you?" He said to her, "If you really wanted to learn to play the piano like me, you would have committed your life to practicing over eight to ten hours a day." A lot of us say we want to, but are not willing to pay the price.

Recently a professional Indian Dancer was asked why he was so good. They told him, "You make it look so easy. It must come naturally to you." He then said, "To the contrary. I watch what I eat; I do not drink alcohol or smoke. I do not take drugs. I run ten miles five days a week and then I come home and exercise for two hours a day." He was willing to pay the price for what he does and because he was willing, he is now good at what he does. That is what Paul meant when he wrote, "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." It takes sacrifice, determination and willingness to go the extra mile. When you are willing to do that, you will succeed in all you do.

Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:

McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church