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Key Bible Verse: Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and be wise! (Proverbs 6:6). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 6:7-11; 13:4; 20:4

Every NFL Offseason, Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith receives numerous opportunities to participate in charity golf functions. Every time, the All-Pro receiver turns them down.

Rod Smith holds no grudges against charitable organizations. And he certainly doesn't despise the game of golf. What gives? Rod has more important things to do. Like work on his craft.

Since 1995, Broncos players have had the option to participate in head coach Mike Shanahan's strict and intense offseason workout program. The Broncos pay the players a mere $80 to participate. Rod Smith has never missed a workout!

Smith has turned down $10,000 golf offers, opting instead to receive $80 and a gut-wrenching workout. Smith firmly believes it's the best option. After all, some young player might be working hard, practicing his craft, gaining on him, and ultimately take away his job.

The book of Proverbs reminds us that laziness—or lack of interest in work—will make a man poor. It's one of the Bible's sound practical principles: For God's glory and for our own well-being, we must put in the effort if we expect to succeed in life.

—Rob Bentz in Power Up!

My Response: I'm staying on the cutting edge in my line of work by …

Thought to Apply: Mas háce una hormiga andando que un buey echado. (An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.)
—Mexican Proverb

Adapted from: Sports Spectrum/Power Up! (11-12/01) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, show me how to be a first-rate worker without being consumed by my work.

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