This story appears in FCA Magazine’s July/August 2015 issue. Subscribe today!
In my 30 years of coaching football, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of three undefeated teams: the 1994 and 1995 Nebraska teams that won back-to-back national titles, and the 1997 squad that shared the national title with Michigan.
People have always asked me what team characteristics led to those undefeated seasons, which, by the way, were far from easy accomplishments. There were numerous factors, but below are a few that stand out to me:
• We were usually the more physical team. On defense, we didn’t stay blocked very long, and we gang tackled ball carriers relentlessly.
• There were no “rock stars” on offense. Everybody—including wide receivers and even quarterbacks—blocked tenaciously on every play.
• Ball carriers didn’t beat themselves with fumbles. Great ball security!
• We played great on the road in hostile environments.
• We featured at least two platoons regularly on both sides of the ball.
• We had a great strength and conditioning program.
• Our head coach, Tom Osborne, refused to allow the assistant coaches to work nights from Tuesday through Friday. We were rested and fresh on game days, eager to coach with wisdom.
One thing people forget about those back-to-back championships is that we actually finished the year before—in 1993—with an undefeated regular season. In the Orange Bowl for the national championship, we faced Florida State, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback (and future NBA star) Charlie Ward. Due to some of our costly, immature mistakes, Ward moved his offense down the field late for a game-winning field goal to beat us, 18-16.
In the spring and summer workouts leading up to the 1994 season, we posted “18-16” on the scoreboard throughout our practices. It served as a “golden calf” reminder of how great we could become if our hearts and minds were right. Ultimately, I believe losing in such heartbreaking fashion was an inspirational catalyst for the undefeated teams we put together in three of the next four years.
While the undefeated seasons were great, they offer no lasting value—but they can serve as a modern day parable for how we must allow Jesus Christ to live through us. After all, He is undefeated and the greatest Champion of all time. If you have repented of your sin and trusted Jesus as your Savior, then you’re on His team.
But being a Champion Christian doesn’t happen by accident. Just look at the early church in Corinth. There was significant division and jealousy: idolatry, refusal to take part in the Lord’s Supper, misunderstanding of spiritual gifts and the resurrection of the dead, not to mention a huge sexual scandal involving an inappropriate relationship. What a mess.
These Christians were on God’s team, but they were still extremely immature and sinful. Why? Sanctification is not automatic! They weren’t allowing themselves to be coached and trained. They never lost their salvation, but they were benching themselves with lasciviousness.
Like undefeated football teams, Christians do not automatically live championship lives for Jesus. It takes sacrificial study of God’s Word and repetition of training in love for God and His people. Champion Christians trained this way are willing to lay down their lives for Christ—even to death!
• Champion Christians don’t stay blocked by Satan. They shed him with God’s Word. They seek fellowship and gang tackle sin in their midst—together.
• Champion Christians don’t seek self-glory and “rock star” status. They become humble servants. They forgive each other.
• Champion Christians have great gospel security. They carry it high and tight and won’t fumble it away, no matter how many try to take it from them.
• Champion Christians understand that this earth is not their forever home; it’s a road trip, and they bring their “A game” in Christ anywhere, anyplace, anytime with a holy swag!
• Champion Christians understand there are no benchwarmers or second-class citizens in God’s Kingdom. Everyone is a starter with a huge role to play.
• Champion Christians allow themselves to be discipled by fellow Christians and held accountable before God.
• Champion Christians understand how to create Sabbath time and rest where they can dwell in the presence of God regularly to behold His beauty.
Now that’s championship living for Christ—with great fellowship, unity and chemistry. Jesus is undefeated and always will be. We are called to let His undefeated life permeate ours before the onlooking world.
-FCA-
–This article appears in the July/August 2015 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue digitally, click here: July/August 2015 FCA Mag Digital
–Want FCA Magazine in your home or business? Subscribe here: fca.org/orderthemag
–For daily faith and sports content follow @FCAMag on Twitter (www.twitter.com/fcamag) and “Like” FCA Magazine on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fcamag).