Investment

How does a person become a world-class musician? Certainly, natural abilities are vital. But many with ability fail to live up to their potential. Over and over, great musicians testify to the impact of their investment of time and making practice a priority.

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the great 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 in this orchestra. He knew that “the players were always prepared and arrived at rehearsal having studied and practiced their parts well.” As a result, he said, “I had to work at the same level, or, indeed, beyond it.” As their conductor, he had to be prepared.

It is this commitment to excellence that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary and drives people to soar to the heights in music and art, literature and science, business and fashion, indeed, in every area of life.

These principles are part of creation, part of the law of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22). They teach us that only those who invest their time and resources can reap a bountiful harvest.

These principles also are true in the spiritual realm. The Bible continually reminds us to sow from the “seeds” we have been given—from our time and talent, our love and concern, and all of our resources.

Do you want to reap the abundant harvest God has prepared for you? Do you want to achieve your full potential? Then don’t be content with the ordinary or what seems “good enough.” Develop your commitment to sow your time and resources, and sow them continually.