Survival of the fittest was coined by British philosopher Hebert Spencer after reading On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. In reality, this term is an alternative way of saying natural selection. However, from a modern translation, in order to survive and rise above others to become the cream of the crop, you’ve got to bring it every day. Whether you are an administrator, athlete, blue collar worker or a student with great expectations, you can’t take a class, day or play off.
As a former professional athlete and high school coach, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize if someone is dogging it. Just take of peek to observe students walking down the hall to use the restroom. Those walking slower than a senior citizen are stalling, wasting as much time as humanly possible. On the other hand, the highly motivated are back in a flash, hoping they didn’t miss anything important. If this pattern of complacency, laziness and minimal effort continues, these individuals will not succeed, put to shame and overshadowed by the overachievers in life.
The Bible was well ahead of its time, introducing a similar concept to the world by the end of the first century. Jesus talked about striving for perfection during his sermon on the mount, encouraging the crowd to put their heart and soul into every aspect of life, even those people you despise or hate, Matthew 5:43-48. As an avid sports fan of track and field, the apostle Paul addresses two sides to this topic. From a mental approach, Paul focuses on the concentration necessary to acquire the proper attitude as you compete in life, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Then, from a moral stand point, Paul adds work ethic with a devotion for your creator in Colossians 3:17, 23. When you put these three passages together, the message is quite clear, “you’ve got to bring it!”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 