Investing

How does a person become a world-class musician? Natural abilities are vital. But many with ability don’t live up to their potential. Over and over, great musicians testify to the impact of the investment of time and making practice a priority.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the noted Polish pianist and statesman, once declared that “the very essence of success is practice.” Investing time was not optional for those wanting to be great.

Describing his opportunity to be music director of the Chicago Symphony, Sir Georg Solti recalled how he was challenged by “the height of professionalism” demonstrated by this orchestra. The players always studied and practiced. Their commitment forced him to be prepared.

This commitment to excellence helps separate the extraordinary from the ordinary. The Bible expresses this truth in the principle of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22). This teaches the importance of investing our time and resources to reap a bountiful harvest.

These principles are true in the spiritual realm. The Bible reminds us to sow from the seeds we have been given – our time and talent, our love and concern, our resources. But they also apply in the natural realm.

Do you want to reap the harvest God has prepared for you? Do you want to achieve your full potential? Then don’t be content with the ordinary or good enough. Cultivate a commitment to developing the resources you’ve been given. Invest your time and resources well.