March 13, 2023
This last weekend while taking my grandkids to see an amazing movie (Creed 3), I saw a preview for the 5th installment of the “Indiana Jones” series of movies. If you haven’t seen any of these movies, you really are missing out. The originals were collaborations between Steven Spielberg and Star Wars creator George Lucas and were filled to the brim with action, adventure, and fun. Harrison Ford, the man who plays Indy, fit the part perfectly and has even said that the treasure seeking archaeologist was his most favorite role to play.
Every time I see Harrison Ford I’m reminded of an interview I saw him do, where he was asked how he became a success. His reply? “I just stuck with it. I knew every day I refused to give up was a day where someone else would and my chances to succeed would only go up.” Harrison Ford was a plodder. You might ask, “Pastor what is a plodder?” A plodder is like the old Energizer Bunny—they just keep going and going and going. No matter the circumstances, in spite of their feelings, and despite their disappointments, they keep going. Their own friends might give up, their family might tell them they need to slow down and temper their dreams, but plodders don’t quit. And because they don’t quit, they inevitably reach their goal.
"I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn't give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you."
— Harrison Ford
"The mindset of a true champion is one that never gives up.”
— Evander Holyfield
The word “plod” comes from an Old English word that means “mud.” So we could say that a plodder is someone who is willing to get his feet wet and wade through the mud to see his dreams come to pass. The reality is most successful people don’t get there overnight. They aren’t just “born with it” like society would like you to believe. No, 99.9% of them were plodders. They experienced trauma, they overcame tragedy, they were overlooked, they were cheated on, they didn’t catch a break, but still they refused to give up.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9, that if we remain faithful and never give up, we will reap a harvest at the proper time. You may say, “Pastor, it’s too late for me, I’ve given up on so many things.” Let me encourage you. Get back up. Pick your dreams up off the floor and begin again. All leaders fail at one time or another, but it’s the legendary ones that keep getting back up. Here are some characteristics of a plodder:
- A plodder has direction. A plodder isn’t simply “hanging in there” or “holding out,” he knows where he is going. His motion has direction.
- A plodder is disciplined. I’ve said it many times but discipline is the strength of life. It’s the ability to do what is right when pressured to do what’s wrong.
- A plodder has a divine connection. A plodder knows he can’t make it on his own. He knows that in order to make it he needs a Divine Partner—He needs Jesus.
- A plodder has a divine drive. A plodder realizes that life is not just about fulfilling his dreams. He isn’t caught up with ego and status. His first motivation is to please God.
- A plodder is patient. Patience is the ability to remain stable and steadfast under pressure.
- A plodder is a praiser. For a plodder, they see the work of their hands as worship to God and because of this work becomes a delight!
- A plodder is persistent. To persist means to keep on going in spite of opposition. A plodder knows that things won’t always be easy, but he keeps going anyway.
Book Recommendation:
Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand
If this Leadership Lifter has encouraged you, please pass it on!
God is for You,
Pastor Blunt
COTR Marketplace Ministries is a ministry for those in the marketplace and those interested in starting a business. Lifelong learners, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and businesswomen meet to grow in their leadership and skills. This is a great place to network, build relationships and exchange ideas!
Join us on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5pm in the main campus lobby. We will have guest speaker, Jason Selk, Director of Mental Training for the St. Louis Cardinals! In addition to working with world-class athletes, Dr. Selk helps business leaders, executives, and top sales people develop mental toughness, increase confidence and focus!!
Dinner and childcare are included in the price of your ticket. Purchase your tickets online for just $12 or $15 at the door.