It’s All in the Execution

It’s all in the execution.

I was relieved to see my football team win yesterday, but anyone who watched them closely noticed that the execution was off in the second half. Passes were thrown towards receivers but not caught. The quarterback looked frustrated particularly when he got intercepted.

At the end of the day, we came out with a win, and I’m seriously not gloating about it, but it got me thinking about the importance of execution in life. If you want to win, you’ve got to figure out how to execute the plan.

I often find myself struggling to execute the things I know. Take for example Luke 6:27-31. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who abuse us. Now how do you execute that?  Or check Luke 12:22. The game plan is not to worry. Ha. Try to remember the last worry free day you had.

We’ve got to learn how to execute what we know in order to live victoriously.

Here are practical tips for consistent execution of what you know:

1. Know the game plan. Before you can ever dream of correctly executing anything, you’ve got to figure out what’s in the play book. If you aren’t catching the analogy, let me spell it out for you: the first step is to actually know what God’s game plan for your life is and the Bible is the play book He’s given us to know it! You’ve got to become so familiar with it that you’re ready to roll on game day. Start by reading it!

2. Plan ahead. You can be armed with all the best knowledge in the world and still completely miss the execution. I can spend hours looking at a cook book but still not come up with a meal unless I sit down and make a step by step plan of how I’m going to execute the recipe. It’s the same way in life. Figure out where you need help and get your play book out then figure out the steps you will take to execute the play. So if it’s a difficult relationship you’re dealing with, pick the play you will be running (for example: blessing those who curse you) and plan how and when you will execute it. If worrying about money is your thing, get the play (ex. sell your possessions and give to the needy) and plan out how you will carry the play out.

3. Listen to the earpiece. In every football game is a guy in a booth calling out shots in the quarterback’s ear piece. Listen to him. In the Christian’s life, that “guy” is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised every Christian that the Holy Spirit would be given to us to teach us along the way. There is no way to execute the Christian life without the help of the Holy Spirit. Don’t ignore Him. Don’t turn Him down. Listen to Him. Without the Holy Spirit you have no hope for a successful execution of anything.

4. Communicate with the Coach. Every so often a time out is called and the quarterback heads back to the sidelines for a 2 minute conversation with the coach. The next thing you know the team is back out and a touchdown pass is completed. Talking with your coach for the Christian is a lot like praying. You’ve got to communicate with God regularly for help in refocusing on the big picture. He has a perspective that is built on experience and knowledge that you and I desperately need. Tune in to God today. Pray.

5. Remember it’s a team sport. You may feel like the entire outcome rests on your shoulders but you’d be wrong. Every great quarterback needs a great offensive line and several receivers to win. You cannot do what the Bible says on your own. That’s the whole point of community in church. That’s why your pastor keeps harping about small groups. You’ve got to get involved with other Christians. I know it can be scary and overwhelming, but there’s no way around it. Remember that church is a place for people just like you and me – people who know they cannot do it alone and need a Savior. Get with the program and get on a team!

6. Give yourself a buffer. No matter how great of a quarterback you are, or how amazing your team is, the truth is that some plays will just not be well executed. What matters more is the end result. The reason my team won yesterday was that they built a buffer in the first half of the game pure and simple. Every victory in the Christian’s life helps. Build on those victories. Hold on to them, thank God for them, file them somewhere and remember them when you find yourself falling behind.

7. Finish well. When all is said and done it’s the final score that determines the game. Keep your eye on the clock and finish well. Maybe you’ve just come off a season of dropping passes and throwing interceptions. You can’t stay there. Proverbs 24:16 says that the godly may trip 7 times but gets back up again. You cannot stay down and expect to win the game. Put your past mistakes behind you, remember your past victories, make necessary changes (that’s called repentance in christian lingo), and finish well.

How’s your execution working out for you these days?

Here’s a final secret: we know the final score for the game of life. Jesus wins. That ought to help you today no matter what comes your way!

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