Pay Now, Play Later

Pay Now, Play Later

Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, “Mental toughness is many things, and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it’s combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in.”

The words “perfectly disciplined” are so strong. Self-discipline involves acting on a decision you have already made, instead of responding to how you feel in the moment. It often involves sacrificing the pleasure and thrill of the moment for what matters most in life and the greater reward that is to come.

Jesus teaches us to pay now so that we can play later. Self-denial and self-discipline are acts of self-leadership. When Jesus was tested, he was tempted three different times with things that would bring him instant gratification—that which would satisfy his appetite physically, that which would test God’s love and care for him, and that which would bring him earthly possessions and honor. But Jesus resisted the lure of instant gratification. Each time the devil tempted him, he responded with the Scriptures. In his first temptation we see Jesus’ response in Matthew 4:4: “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

When we are surrounded by a world of instant gratification, we need to stand firm in our convictions that are fueled by God’s Word. We need to see the bigger picture around us, as Jesus did. He saw that his journey led to a cross and a grave so that he might be exalted and we might be seated with him in glory. Jesus modeled it for us. Let us, too, learn to pay the price now so we can play later.

Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4