On The Road to Becoming A True Champion

Championship Series

Champion, cham’pi-on, n. One who has the highest attributes of a winner; one who wins first place or first prize in a competition. 

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24. The one who wins is the declared the winner, the champion. And to the champion goes the gold!

The race track of life stretches before you. Are you in it to win it? The champion mentality declares, “Yes, the gold medal is already mine!” Champions, like Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, expect to win the gold! That’s the champion’s mentality. And, because you are reading this blog, I know there is a champion inside of you looking to get the gold, expecting to realize your full, God-given potential, anticipating living your best and highest life!

To unleash your inner champion, you, first of all, must realize one, fundamental truth: God loves you and wants to bless you! He wants to see you to win! Yes, it’s true!

Just let that sink in for a minute.

The God of the universe has plans to bless you, exceedingly and abundantly, far beyond anything you can ask or imagine!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Once you fully absorb this foundational truth you will have taken a major step toward releasing your true inner champion. Expect to prosper! Expect to have high hopes! Expect to have a future so bright you’ll have to wear sun shades!

Secondly, to unleash your inner winner, and begin to tap into your hidden, unlimited potential, you must set the correct priorities. As a champion, the following is your absolute, #1 priority: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Seek first the Gospel, and thereby God’s kingdom of glory. True champions are wise enough to ask for the giver, rather than the gift. After all, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” James 1:17. Ask for heavenly things and earthly things will be added unto you.

Thirdly, a true champion is a true servant. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mathew 20:28. Even though true champions are leaders, they are servants first! Servant leaders are motivated by humility and love, not fortune and fame. Jesus humbled himself and became the servant of all. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must first be your servant.” Matthew 20:26. A true champion has the genuine heart of a servant. He or she realizes that it’s not about them, i.e, not about self-glory. It’s about glorifying God who blessed them with their extraordinary gifts and talents in the first place! It's about loving your neighbor, especially the less fortunate! How much can I serve others? How can I assist, motivate and elevate my team? How can I give back to the community in a way that will especially bless them? How can I use my platform to do the most good for the greatest number of people? What seeds am I sowing for a better tomorrow? Servanthood is one of the clearest and most fundamental attributes of a true champion.

Finally, a true champion must have faith, both in himself, and the God within him. He understands that he can’t do any truly extraordinary things on his own power alone. Rather, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. A true champion has a higher power he can tap into to carry him beyond his own personal limitations and inadequacies! “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37

By applying these four, essential Biblical principles you will be on the road to becoming a true champion! God, indeed, has plans to bless you beyond even your wildest dreams!
 
Look for more on becoming a true champion in upcoming posts here!

Until next time,

Stay Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

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