The Catholic Defender: Failure Is Not An Option

Recently, one of my College Instructors posed an awesome question. In fact, he wanted us to give our perspective on it. Here is his question: IF YOU KNEW YOU COULD NOT FAIL... WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE??? This question can be answered a number of ways, from an educational perspective, it is important to develop your education towards a good career. Still, there will always be risks that you take, there will be success along with failures. Sports is an important field for many. I grew up striving to play professional baseball, despite many great experiences, I would also share in defeats as well. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 states, "Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." This is key for me in answering the question. Faith, like anything else requires training. The RSV version of the bible uses the word "godliness" while the NAB version says "devotion". There will be times that we will fail because we will sin. Hebrews 12: 1-2 states, "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Faith is very important in every aspect of life. The tennents of our faith are still seen in fundamental ways. An example of this is looking at the six fiduciary duties of an agent selling property and homes. Obedience and loyalty are key important principals. The key to success can be taken from the scripture I have provided, we are to train ourselves and then persevere. In regards to salvation, Jesus says, "But he who endures (perseveres) to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13), our faith "is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In the Military, sometimes we face certain uncertainty that our faith gives us strength. There are many challenges that can put you to the test. I have told people many times that as a father, if I teach and lead my children to be the best teachers, lawyers, soldiers, doctors, what ever their career might be, this is only a small part of my responsibility. My first and most important responsibility is laying the foundation of faith for my children. I personally have been a Soldier, I have worked in security, I have been a college student, played baseball, I've done a lot of things. I am so thankful for my faith which has made me a better person. As a husband and father, my faith has played a most prominant position. Despite some of my failures, my faith has helped me overcome the obsticals placed before me. Going back to the question, "If you knew you could not fail... What would you do with the rest of your life?" I would lift the shield of faith, I offer the Lord my strength, my sword, my life and through this faith, I will live the rest of my life dedicated to His service.