Champions

Champions are made in the off season.

The news reported that 111.3 million viewers watched the Super Bowl this past weekend. Do you think the Giants and the Patriots worked only the last few months to get to play in this contest? No. You can be sure they spent years in preparation.

Champions are made in the off season, alone, unnoticed and unappreciated. Their incentive comes from deep within. They keep on because they have a goal that they are willing to sacrifice for. They prepare diligently so that when they are called into action they are ready to do and be their best.

There is a difference between someone who just plays a sport and a 'champion.' Most players sign up for the team and do what they are told, but only a few give the extra effort it takes to become a champion.

This is true in Christian circles as well. There are many who attend church, who are willing to be a part of a Christian fellowship. Many who give of their time and resources as long as it is convenient, and who profess their love for Jesus Christ as long as they are safe within their circle of friends. There are far fewer who are willing to make the effort needed to achieve greatness.

Let us look at these words of instruction in Proverbs chapter 2:1-11

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

THEN you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds victory in store for the upright; he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

THEN you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Notice the fervency. He does not just ask for insight, he calls out for insight and cries aloud for understanding. He searches for wisdom as if it were a hidden treasure of silver.

The difference between a player and a champion has to do with persistence and the fervency of the heart. A champion does not wait for the season to begin to be motivated by a coach but rather drives himself to mine the depths of knowledge and understanding and excellence, even in the off season.

Even in the off-season,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth