GLADIATOR or SPECTATOR

"Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God hs given you, hich you have confessed so well before many witnesses. " I Timothy 6:12


God impressed me in prayer this morning that in the Christian walk there are Gladiators and there are Spectators. There are those who wear the name Christian, who - methephorically speaking - lay on their side, eating grapes and watching with amusement those that are getting bloodied in the fight of faith.



Spectators are faithful attenders - they go to church.And Spectators provide financial support - they are often tithes payers. But a Spectator will never get in the arena, never engage in hand-to-hand combat, and will only defend the faith if doesn't cause them any pain.


Gladiators on the other hand are true warriors. They are the brave men and women of God who fought and, in some cases lost their lives both in the Collesium in Rome during the height of Christian persecution, and still today on the mission field.


And then there are the Gladiators who may not shed actual blood, but who toil in prayer, sacrifice in ministry and would die for their beliefs. Most Pastors are these kind of Gladiators. Many Sunday School Teachers and Youth Workers know what it's like to fight in the spirit for the souls in their care.


And alot of us fight the good fight each and every day for those we love. We pray for them, serve them and show them the love of Christ at a personal cost to ourselves.

And that is what being a good Gladiator is all about.

-Debbie Simler-Goff

New Year - New Schedule - New Determination

2010 has gotten off to a good start for me. I just completed my first week of my new work schedule - half day on Fridays - woo hoo! This should help me to have more time for writing during my peak focus time.

My plan is to come straight home after I get off work at 12:30, plant my kiester in front of my computer, and formulate brilliant articles that my editors will love. Consistency and determination is the game, and this year I plan to win. (That's me on my wedding day 25 years ago)

Sounds like I have it all together doesn't it? But after having celebrated almost 45 new beginnings, I've become all too familiar with the resolution ritual that goes something like this:

In January, I'm psyched and motivated to make a change. It doesn't matter what the change is, but it's always something dramatic and life-improving. My hopes are high and often I buy something new to help me reach my goal. This year it was a new netbook so I could write while on my lunch at work. Last year it was a membership to Weight Watchers. The year before that... well, I don't even remember what my resolution was the year before that, which reinforces my point.

By March, the goal is a distant memory and often there's been little improvement. The rest of the year then becomes a total wash.

So what makes this year's resolution any different?

I've taken a lesson from the Bible and the Biggest Loser reality show by making myself accountable. I'm coming out and telling the world where I'm lacking and what I hope to achieve. And in so doing, I stand a much better chance of succeeding because I've invited others into my struggles instead of trying to battle it alone. (That's me with two of my volunteers)

And what am I trying to achieve? Two things:

• A 100 Pound Weight Loss



• A Consistent Writing Schedule
  

And how am I going to do this?

Through prayer, hard work, discipline, self-control and a little help from my friends (accountability).

And how will you know if I'm winning my Resolution Game?

Check back often to this blog and track my success or, better yet, email me directly at dsimlergoff@sbcglobal.net and ask me how I'm doing.

-Debbie