Saintly advice: The 4 W's are God's winning formula

By Danny Abramowicz
Contributing writer

There is a lot of talk these days, in all forms of media, about what other people should say and do. Also, there are all kinds of opinions on what’s wrong with our country and the church, etc.

But I hardly ever hear someone mention how he or she personally can make a difference to help change things.

Several years ago, the Lord spoke to my heart and gave me “His Winning Formula” based on “4 W’s.” I used this formula to determine where I personally stood in my faith walk.

I had to read and meditate on these to determine where I stood, and I found out that I was not in a place where I needed to be or wanted to be. So, I changed over a period of time, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to commit to a deeper walk with the Lord in my Catholic faith. In other words, less talk and more action.

I recommend that all of us take inventory of our lives by answering these questions honestly to find out where we stand, and then ask the Lord to help us change our ways.

The Lord wants and is calling each one of us to be holy men and women of God.

The 4 W’s

►Will of God = Conversion

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21; “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” CCC 2822-2827).

  Questions to consider: Do I follow the will of God in my life or my own will? Do I live according to my ways or God’s ways? Do I have Jesus Christ as my highest priority? Do I have a personal relationship with him? Do I give God a fair share of my time? Do I communicate with God through prayer?

  Reflection: What choices do you make?

► Word of God = Transformation

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (Heb 4:12-13; CCC 101-133).

Questions to consider: Do I read and reflect on God’s word in holy Scriptures? Do I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is the principal author of Scripture, and that he guided and inspired the human authors? Do I read and have my family read the Scripture passages before Sunday Mass? Do I ever spend any time studying the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”?

Reflection: What choices do you make?

► Witness for Christ = Evangelization

“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father” (Mt 10:32-33; CCC 2044-2046).

Questions to consider: Do I witness on behalf of Christ by my words and actions, especially to my family? Do I truly believe in the Real Presence in the Eucharist? Do I live a life based on faith and morals? Do I stand up for godly principles?

  Reflection: What choices do you make?

► Winning Crown = Eternal Salvation

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance” (2 Tim 4:7-8; CCC 1044-45, 1050).

  Questions to consider: Do I concentrate more on earthly possessions and recognition than on the crown of eternal salvation? Do I look to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life? Do I realize that my salvation came through Christ or do I think that I can earn it or buy it? What role does the Blessed Mother play? Do I really believe that Christ died for me personally?

Reflection: What choices do you make?

Danny Abramowicz is a former wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints and the founder/director of the Monday Night Disciples.