Momentum in its most scientific sense is a measure of movement, the product of mass and velocity. It is also considered an increase in force created by an object in motion. Picture a stone rolling down a hill. It is much easier to stop it at the top than at the bottom.
Perpetual motion requires a machine that can continue indefinitely on the energy it generates without need of outside force or fuel. Suffering from what I call “Superman syndrome”, I often see myself as such, but like the hypothetical machine, this too is an impossibility.
Your car’s engine turns the generator, creating electricity, which fires the spark plug, igniting the fuel, pushing a piston which turns the crankshaft, which moves the generator and so on. Perpetual right? Except it requires fuel and an initial spark. In days past, an old truck with a dead battery would get a push, gain a bit of speed and we’d pop the clutch to start the same process. The energy of rolling momentum was transferred to the drive shaft making things turn, but it took friends pushing and someone in the driver’s seat steering and popping the clutch.
And fuel, don’t forget the fuel. Good fuel – loving, caring, prayer, scripture and positivity keep the momentum going after we receive a Heavenly shove. And for those who have put gasoline in a diesel engine, you know the opposite is true. Sin, anger, hatred, reliving past failures and negativity bring any forward momentum to a screeching halt.
On the basketball court, momentum is not a scientific calculation, it is purely emotional. A player delivers a thundering dunk, the home crowd goes wild, teammates stand taller, run faster, and shoot better. The opponent’s confidence crumbles and before you know it, the home team has dropped 10 points on you. The most proven way to stop the momentum is to call a time out, sit everyone down and just breathe. Remind them who they are and what got them here. Play to win, not just “not to lose.”
Playing “not to lose” keeps us focused more on not making mistakes and less on seeking victory. And despite our best efforts, we will make mistakes and momentum will turn against us. It’s then we need to stop, listen as our True Coach reminds us of who we are and Who got us here. Start a new momentum in His direction. God calls us to “play to win” not just “not to lose”.
I am truly grateful for friends who push, and push, and push and for He who climbs in the driver’s seat, grabs the wheel, and pops the clutch when my battery is drained.
If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear.
Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
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