Success In Different Places

Scripture Matthew 25:14-26

The movie Pride takes place in 1974 and life is not easy for a black male, even a college-educated one like Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), to find employment. Struggling to find anything better, Jim, a former competitive swimmer, accepts the job of dismantling the decrepit Marcus Foster Recreation Center operated by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation.

The center includes a rundown swimming pool, which Ellis rehabilitates. Ellis' presence and activities causes friction with a bitter, overprotective janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac). One day, Jim invites a group of black teens who have just been thrown off the basketball court in the Center's yard in for a swim. Andre, Hakim, Reggie, Puddin’ Head, and Walt prove to be fairly capable swimmers and with a few pointers, could become great swimmers.

With some help from Elston, Jim decides to try to save the public swimming pool by starting the city's first all African-American swim team. When the team also acquires Willie, a female swimmer more gifted than any of the boys, the prospects of competing against much more experienced rival teams begin to seem more positive. Throughout the team’s struggles, in or out of the swimming pool, Jim embraces and mentors the kids, helping them become successful at swimming and struggle against prejudice, crime, and poverty.

This great film, along with other favorites such as Remember the Titans, Glory Road, Men of Honor, Gifted Hands, The Great Debate, The Tuskegee Airman, The Express, and many others prove that Success is Born on Both Sides of the Street, regardless of where you were born, your family situation, how you view yourself, or how others view you. Today, God’s word will show you that He has given all of us everything we need to be successful for the Kingdom of God. We must understand that the more we let our light shine, the more God gets the credit, and the more God gets the credit, the more He is glorified.

A. GOD GIVES ALL OF US OPPORTUNITIES, PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE PROCESS (v.19)

1. IN ORDER FOR SUCCESS TO BE BORN, IT MUST BE CULTIVATED

2. IN ORDER FOR SUCCESS TO BE BORN, THERE MUST BE A NEED

3. IN ORDER FOR SUCCESS TO BE BORN, IT MUST GO THROUGH ROAD BLOCKS

TRANS: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

B. GOD GIVES ALL OF US TALENTS, BE EXCITED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES (v.20-23)

1. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE WAYS YOU CAN USE YOUR SUCCESS

2. FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE BLESSED BY YOUR SUCCESS

3. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT WAY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

TRANS: From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48b

C. GOD GIVES ALL OF US FREE WILL, DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHOOSE SUCCESS (v.25)

1. DON’T BE AFRAID OF FAILURE, ON YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

2. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE HARD WORK REQUIRED TO GAIN SUCCESS

3. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE REWARDS THAT COME FROM SUCCESS

IN CLOSING, REMEMBER TO LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH PRIDE:

P UT YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE POSITION

R ID YOURSELF OF NEGATIVE PEOPLE OR THINGS

I NVEST IN YOUR GIFTS

D EVELOP POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

E XERCISE YOUR FAITH AND EXPECT GREATNESS