Hernando Cortez was a Spanish conquistador who went to Mexico in 1519. Cortez had 600 soldiers and eleven ships. He introduced horses to a new continent. Many other conquerors with superior resources had attempted to colonize the Yucatan Peninsula without success. The powerful Aztecs ruled the central valley of Mexico with a mighty empire that plundered weaker tribes and hoarded vast amounts of gold, silver and jewelry. The Aztecs were feared and hated by the other tribes. Cortez needed a way to energize and motivate his men. After landing Cortez’ men were probably more than a little fearful and nervous about the unknown challenges they might face in this new land. The men expected their leader to inspire and reassure them that their mission would be a success. Visions of riches no doubt danced in their heads. They were eager to hear Cortez’ instructions.
The first thing Cortez told the men to do was BURN THE BOATS. All of them.
Would you have done that?
Not me. I’d keep one ship just in case the enemies were too tough. The Spaniards had gunpowder weapons but what if the Aztecs had lasers? What if there were monsters/dinosaurs/zombies/diseases that were too numerous or difficult to deal with?
Cortez answered his crew’s fears and maybe his own doubts by burning all the ships. It was his way of pushing all his chips into the center of the table.
They were all in. They were committed to the mission and to each other. They would be wildly successful or die in the attempt.
We could say that Cortez lived to the hilt. Defeat was never an option.
Let’s dream big dreams for God to use us in ways we hardly thought possible. God doesn’t discourage our ambitions as long as we use our success as a platform to spread His Word and glorify Him.
I hope you have enjoyed these blogs about living life “To the Hilt.
Please share your comments and tell me your thoughts or your big dreams.
-Coach T
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