Champion
Who doesn’t love a champion? It would be challenging to deny its impact, especially during this year’s Olympic competition. We often associate this winning sensation as we are uniquely drawn to the zenith of the Victory Stand! One’s National Anthem is played. Throngs of people cheering as the victory synchronizes in the background. The victor is typically moved by sovereign emotion, and tears often flood their cheeks, forming a mixture of pride and release that accompanies victory! As much as we, who have never competed in this fashion, can understand, we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of hours, struggles, and costs it takes to ascend to such a victorious perch. But we can when it is spiritual. Paul states, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV).
Notice several aspects. To be victorious, one MUST race. Jesus stated, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). Most humanity desires the treasure of Heaven. Still, when they are called into action, they lack the needed inertia even to begin the race (Matthew 19:10). Additionally, one must compete in the individual competition you are called in which to compete (John 21:22). Each person is given the gift of life by his Creator and therefore required to live it and be successful according to what he has been offered (Matthew 25:27). My race is not your race and thank God we all have been given a race in which we can win! (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Lastly, becoming a champion also recognizes the podium is not suited for everyone to ascend. Some will never be champions due to lack of preparation (2 Timothy 2:15). Others will never succeed based on uneventful justifications (Luke 14:18-19). Still more will judge the event center, officials, and their competition in petitioning failure (Genesis 3:12-13). Regardless of the lame, there is only room at the top for those who see everything through unto the end (Philippians 2:16). Not everyone likes the victor, but God loves them! Live for Him (Mark 13:13) Be that champion!
Archie R. Green
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