Something I remembered
     while playing some ball.
I can’t go part way,
     I give nothing or all.
I know there are people
     who straddle the fence.
It’s not only painful,
     it doesn’t make sense.
Living with one foot
     upon either wall.
Creates a condition
     where you’re likely to fall. 

Sometimes the middle
     is where you will win.
That’s still not a problem
     if I can be all in.
This poem isn’t about
     choosing a side.
To build up your walls
     and find somewhere to hide.
It’s about convictions
     and standing your ground.
God’s placed you somewhere,
     is that where you’re found? 

How long will you waver
     between this or that?
I wasn’t too sure,
   so I stopped and just sat.
That’s not a bad thing
     if it helps you to find.
Just where you do stand,
     have you made up your mind?
When God defines clearly
     just who you should be.
Then live with a focus
     that the whole world can see. 

God tells us clearly
     to be of one mind.
To not be deterred
     by distractions we find.
To listen to God
     and answer His call.
In whatever we do,
     we give it our all.
If I can do that
     while playing a game.
Shouldn’t my life’s walk
     be focused the same? 

So how do you do this,
     when it might feel odd?
To keep your life focused
     completely on God?
To rest in His presence
     and work in His field.
Both do require,
     to Him you must yield.
To empty yourself
     of your own desire.
Then aim for God’s will,
     which is always much higher. 

Commit yourself fully
     to walk in His way.
Be bold and courageous
     as you live each day.
To give it your all
     even when you feel weak.
Knowing it’s His strength
     that helps you to speak.
To be convinced fully
     that God’s way is best.
And give Him your all,
     in work and in rest! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I was thinking this morning about the way I play basketball with no intent of holding back no matter how tired I am.  It reminded me of how I live and how God wants all of us to live with an “all in” attitude.  Sometimes we tend to be cautious and hold back from a complete commitment in many areas of our life because we want options to remain open.  God wants us to everything as working for Him.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)  I pray that you are “all in” when it comes to serving Jesus in all you do.