The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
—Vince Lombardi, What It Takes to Be Number One
American life changed permanently on September 11, 2001. Terrorists hijacked jetliners and turned them into missiles, destroying New York City’s Twin Towers, damaging the Pentagon, and killing thousands. The War on Terror began. In the aftermath, Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman gave up a $3.6 million contract and enlisted in the Army to serve his country. He couldn’t enjoy the spoils of freedom while others did the dirty work to preserve it. His sense of honor and ethics compelled him. Unfortunately Tillman’s decision cost him his life. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.
Men, God’s kingdom will cost you your life. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25). A kingdom man understands that God never said a godly life would be easy; He just said it would be worth it. A kingdom man zeros in on one purpose only—advancing the kingdom for the betterment of those within it, which glorifies the King. He pursues this at whatever personal cost.
Anyone who has fought in war or battled on an athletic field knows that victory does not come just because you want it. Victory is earned only through sweat, guts, and blood, and sheer determination. It comes to those who know that purpose is far greater than pain.
