It’s tempting to look at people who are accomplished and assume their success is something that just seemingly happened to them. And truthfully, every once in a rare while there are instances when something like this is true. However, by far there is a process to becoming; transformation takes time, and success requires patient endurance.

While it would be convenient to go to bed average and wake up an expert in whatever field we desire, unfortunately that’s not the way it works. In the words of author and pastor Ikechukwu Joseph, “Champions are made, not born”; and becoming anything, an accomplished musician, a successful student, a small group leader, or an Olympic athlete requires hard work and crazy commitment.

Defining Champion

A champion is described as a winner, a heralder, or a trailblazer. And although not included in the definition, at the heart of every champion is the pursuit of excellence. And excellence requires discipline, discipline requires commitment and commitment requires time. However, if the motivation and the heart are rightly positioned it is time well spent.

Although most of us will more than likely never become Olympic Champions, as Christ followers, we are each called to live as champions by doing, being and giving our personal best, for the sake of the gospel, and for the glory of God.

Becoming a Champion

Becoming a champion requires living as a champion with the full expectation of future success. And living like this requires committing to daily disciplines. Over time daily disciplines transform into natural habits, and when this occurs, we are positioned for success in every area of life. Dr. C.A. Tuggle, professor of Broadcast Journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill who is covering the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris said, “The most significant character traits my students and I are observing in every Olympic athlete this year are resilience and dedication.” He says further that, “Far superior to natural gifting, what determines success is the commitment to do whatever it takes to succeed.”

A stellar example of this is the recent victory for the US men’s gymnastics team, which despite past defeats, continued to press on, finally winning the first US medal for this competition in 16 years!

Have no doubt about it, becoming a champion of anything requires persistence, endurance, perseverance and personal commitment!

Eight Commitments of Champions

1. Champions are committed to practice.

Physical [practice] is good, [but practicing] for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

2. Champions are not satisfied with anything less than excellence.

And [whatever you do… do everything [with excellence] in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

3. Champions maintain a positive attitude.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

4. Champions discipline their minds and bodies.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11 ESV)

5. Champions continually seek to be better and go farther.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. (2 Timothy 2:15)

6. Champions welcome positive critique.

[A] wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:15 NLT)

7. Champions never give up.

[L]et’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9)

8. Champions finish strong.

[So let us] press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14 NLT)

So, if perhaps you recognize you’ve been settling for less than your ultimate best, take heart in the knowledge that you are indeed a champion. Additionally, be encouraged knowing that, God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished… (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

And always, [keep] your eyes on Jesus, the [ultimate] champion who initiates and perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

Pray

Father God, thank you for the inspiration I receive from your Word, and from others who demonstrate what it truly means to live on mission in this world as champions. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to accomplish great things for your honor and for your glory. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Community Question of the Week

Who is someone you know who demonstrates a championship mentality by being, doing, and giving their ultimate best? Encourage others with your response HERE!

Extend grace to others!

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