An “All In” Lifestyle
In December 2011, the New York Giants adopted the motto “All In” after hearing a motivational speech by Gian Paul Gonzalez during a chapel service. The immediate impact of this speech is truly amazing.
This “All In” lifestyle, as Gonzales calls it, caught on in every facet of the Giant franchise. They even placed the motto on towels as reminders and to show their commitment. That season, they won the Superbowl. When Gonzales spoke to them, them were 7-7.
While “All In” is best known as a poker term, it represents well the idea of a full-commitment standard applicable to almost any area of life.
“All In” as a Christian
Being “All In” as a Christian means to:
- “Run in such a way that you may win” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
- Being comfortable with being considered “aliens and strangers” (1 Peter 2:11) in this world
- “Making the most of every opportunity” sent your way (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Being an “All In” Christian ultimately means putting Christ and obedience to Him first and refusing to succumb to the shaky morals of the surrounding culture. It means staring that culture in the face and saying, “I’m not going to be molded by you!”
Are living as an “all in” Christian?
Diane
I think that the people who don't stand up for what they believe and live it out daily are the "oddballs" of our world. Remember that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. If we as Christians are considered "oddballs" than I'm proud to be one and I know of ALOT of others who will not be afraid to say it also.
Kari Scare
Unfortunately, it's the ones who take a stand that are singled out. But, we need to do it anyway because we know that we must be obedient to that which Christ calls us to do.
Loren Pinilis
I think we all have our areas where we're holding back a little. I know this is something I often have to confront myself. Maybe it's just comfort. Maybe it's just recognition. It's often something good that we've taken too far.
Being all-in is often a matter of our hearts.
Kari Scare
Interesting that you say "being all in is often a matter of our hearts"… I am teaching a series in our adult CEH class that I titled "The Aroma of Your Heart," and it's all about attitude. We are discovering that our attitudes impact us in uncoutable ways in addition to affecting those around us as well. My attitude, which reflects the intentions of my heart, truly is at the "heart" of whether or not I can be "all in."
jr-CarpetCleaningSA
Attitude that's right Kari. Keeping a right attitude is the key to Success.
Kari Scare
As they say "Attitude is everything." It reflects what's going on in your heart, your intentions, and so it really does direct your life.
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@ChrisJPatton
Great post, Kari! I love the "oddball" tag! You are dead on with that. While it should not be the case, that classification is even true in most churches. The vast majority of "Christians" are not "all in" when it comes to living out their faith. Those that do are often called Jesus Freaks…
Kari Scare
My goal is to be called a "Jesus Freak." Not sure I'm doing that yet, but that's the whole progressive sanctification part, I guess. I've come to accept "being different" for the most part… just need to work on being an "oddball" and okay with being a freak. Hard to not want to fit in with everyone around you, even in church, isn't it?
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