First, you must be committed to rising above average.
Originally, it was to be the first reason in the characteristics of a champion. However, God had something different in mind.
It’s still the number one characteristic of a champion. . .
Revelation 3:16 in the New Living Translation says:
“But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
In God’s letter to the Laodicean church He had nothing good to say about them. He simply pointed out, as the scripture suggests, that they were neither hot nor cold. . .just average. They weren’t good or bad. . .just average.
When a person is average they’re as close to the bottom as they are to the top.
2. Have the heart of a champion.
What makes up the heart of a champion? I read through twenty or thirty quotes before I came to just the right one.
Chuck Norris, the karate champion and movie star, said:
“People come up to me and say, 'Chuck, you're the luckiest guy in the world to be a world karate champion and a movie and TV star.' When they say this to me, I kind of smile because luck had nothing to do with it; God had everything to do with it.”
The heart of a true champion knows that God is His strength and empowers him/her to even greater victories.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve come once again to appreciate the saying that “Your life as you know it can change in an instant.”
I realize that may not be the most profound statement you’ve ever read. But it is a word from the Lord for you. He wants you to know that life as you know it can change in an instant.
3. Confront your fears
Champions have to confront their fears. By confronting your fears. . .you will be free from them.
Confront your insecurities. Confront your jealousies. Confront anything that will break your focus on what’s important. Confront whatever you’re afraid of.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
“Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.”
Fear holds you back. . .keeps you from doing the things you want to do in life. Sadly, many potential champions will remain unrecognized because of the fear they feel outside of their comfort zone.
Here are seven fears that prevent potential champions from fulfilling their destiny.
1. Fear of failure.
2. Fear of being rejected.
3. Fear of speaking in public.
4. Fear of what’s happening or what people ‘say’ is happening in world events.
5. Fear of moving out of your comfort zone with a new job or a new business.
6. Fear of the worst case scenario.
7. Fear of the known.
Champions overcome their fears by and through the Word of God.
4. Good isn’t good enough
The word good is in Bible a total of 655 times. So I think it goes without saying that God wants something good or even better than good for all His champions.
And remember, you are one of God’s champions even though you might not realize it yet.
Where do good gifts come from?
James 1:17 in the Amplified Bible says:
“Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].”
What does Jesus. . .our champion. . .consider doing good?
5. Be willing to pay the price
Was Michael Jordan born to be the best basketball player ever? Hardly, in fact, he was cut from his high school basketball team during his sophomore year.
Was Derek Jeter born to be one of the best, most consistent baseball players ever? Nope, he spent years practicing. . .paying the price for his success. . .in time and effort.
What will it take for you to become the best at what you do?
What does it take to become championship material? Practice. . .being willing to pay the price for success.
Here is the practical and scriptural basis for becoming a Champion for Christ:
Getting up early. . .. . .when you would rather be sleeping. It starts with spending time in the Word.
6. God believes in excellence.
2 Corinthians 8:7 says:
“Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”
The Greek word for abound according to Strong’s Concordance is from a root word perissos (G4053) which means:
“exceeding some number or measure or rank or need; over and above, more than is necessary, superadded; exceeding abundantly, supremely.”
Have you ever started a project, assignment or job with a sudden burst of enthusiasm only to be slowed down by the first obstacle and stopped short of your goal by continual obstacles?
Congratulations, you’re average … but God doesn’t want you to stay that way. Those who rise above the crowd are the champions who go the extra mile while others are relaxing in front of the TV.
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