Rate of Failure

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"— Galatians 2:21

Much is made of the failure rate in baseball.  A successful hitter, it is said, fails to get a hit seven out of every 10 trips to the plate. Despite this otherwise abysmal statistic, those who perform up to such a strict standard are held in high regard. The familiar sound of bat meeting ball is met by a chorus of applause, the hitter greeted by high fives and offered hands of affirmation by teammates upon his return to the dugout. The spoils of a job well done.

In our walks with God, the only measure of success -- the perfection of Christ -- makes failure a certainty. More often than not, despite our best efforts, we will swing and miss at opportunities to glorify God in how we live, work and play. Still, despite no quantifiable measure of achievement and no earthly rewards to be won, we test ourselves, training for a contest in which the outcome has already been determined. Because we know that someday, no matter our rate of failure, we too will be greeted -- not by the roar of the crowd but by choirs of angels. The spoils of a life redeemed by grace.

--Eric Velazquez

PRAYFIT: A WEEK IN REVIEW Can we be nostalgic about stuff from like, a little while ago? Sure can. Here's the highlights

FAITH

>> NOW WHAT?: The answer to our biggest question went climbed out of a crib and onto a cross

>> THE CLOSER: Stay ready -- you never know when you'll be called upon

>> A FIGHTING SPIRIT: If the spirit is willing, your body has no right to hold it back

>> ME AND MY DRUM: We've got nothing that's fit to give a King except our best effort

HEALTH & FITNESS

WORKOUT: Use this push-ups and planks program to build a stronger torso and core >> FOOD: Broaden your protein horizons in five easy steps

>> REPORT: Even mild intensity training can help you reduce blood pressure and lose bodyfat

>> NUTRITION: How this key macronutrient can help you get lean for good

HOT TOPICS Weigh in on these and other issues at the PrayFit forums

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