Sermon On Speed Of Achievement

Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar and philosopher once remarked: “It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.” Ephesians 1:11 confirms: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

Achievement is defined as a thing done successfully with effort, skill or courage. Unless failure occurs, it is usually the given result in any task or endeavor.

In today’s climate, for some, speed often appears to be of the essence. The faster one can go, travel or complete something, the better it is. Time is considered a valuable and precious commodity that is not to be wasted. If something can be accomplished quickly, the more satisfaction or reward is attained.

However, two significant questions that have been asked by many are: “Do we need to slow down and take life at a slower momentum?” Or “Is speed the quickest way to achieve the best?” Many people live their lives at pace. Little time is retained for rest and relaxation. The job in hand is the essential task to be completed. An allotted time for reflection is sadly bypassed or forgotten in a person’s command of language or routine.

If one cooks a joint of meat at a higher-than-normal level of heat to reduce the cooking time, thus creating the illusion of greater speed, then quite often the outcome may not be as enjoyable as it could be. Speed of cooking can dissipate tenderness. A longer cooking time at a lower heat level is known to retain moisture and flavor. The meal can be far more enjoyable and succulent if prepared by this method.

In general communication, the same may also apply. A stable delivery of words when one is speaking is far more impressive and interesting than speaking too quickly or slowly. If a person speaks excessively slowly, listeners may become impatient and lose interest in the theme. They could form their own wrong conclusion as to the correct meaning or aim of the speaker. The subject matter could become boring and the intended effect may seem dull. On the other hand, if one speaks too quickly, others can lose the gist of the connotations. Words may become lost or intermingled with others and confusion may be the end result.

However, speed in certain aspects of life can have its benefits. In 1 Kings 18, we read the story of how God granted Elijah the divine power and speed to outrun the king’s chariot. Verses 41-46 state: And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.”

And he said, “Go again,” seven times. And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”

Although this passage indicates the immense speed that can be attained at divine will or direction, the primary focus is concentrated on the power and persistence of prayer. It infers that we may need to pray more than once if we seek God’s help in any definitive matter.

There is some consternation in opinion as to the reason why Elijah ran at speed to Jezreel. Some suggest that it was done in honor of Ahab as the king of Israel, but others maintain that Psalm 20:7 may be more relevant in that: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

We have to remember that God does not necessarily immediately grant every request we make. In fact, He may decide not to grant it at all, if He believes it would not benefit us in the long term. Speed is not necessarily a good thing. Just as if we cook too quickly, we may not attain the best result, so the same applies in any request to God.

Patience is considered a virtue and essential to certain aspects of life. It is particularly favorable in our relationship with God. We must be prepared to wait for what we want. Patience can generally build better relationships, not only with God, but with our fellow man. Patience can help us achieve our goals, it may allow us to make better decisions and can help to reduce the menacing frustrations in life.