This story appears in FCA Magazine’s March/April 2016 issue. Subscribe today!

Having spent most of my adult life in or around the professional sports world, I’d like to think I’ve developed a keen sense of what it takes to succeed. I was fortunate enough to coach for several championship-caliber teams through the years, and without a doubt each of those squads operated with a distinct advantage—the “championship mindset.” 

The championship mindset goes beyond just the physical aspect of sports. Almost all professional athletes are in peak physical condition, but the championship teams and players have a mindset on another level. They’re driven by a passion for success in their sport. They’re disciplined, focused and committed to the cause even through the inevitable ups and downs of a season.

Prior to every training camp, we’d have meetings to discuss our goals of winning a division, conference and league championship. Ultimately, we realized it was all about how we trained and prepared from one week to the next—both mentally and physically. Preparation was—and still is—the great separator.

Teams with a championship mindset practice with a purpose, intent on improving every chance they have. They spend extra hours studying game plans and film, visualizing and focusing on the next game. They’re unselfish, humble and willing to do whatever it takes behind the scenes. They stay true to their core beliefs and values when the cameras aren’t rolling, so they’re well positioned to succeed when they are.

How do the lessons learned from those types of teams carry over into our faith?

Well, how do you feel you follow through on your commitment to Christ in your thoughts, words and actions? Do you intentionally spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer? Where is He on your priority list? Do you stay focused on the Lord and go to Him before anyone or anything else in life’s difficult times? And are  you following His call to serve others and reach out to those in need?

Believe me, I'm asking those questions of myself as well. I ask them not to condemn, but instead to inspire us all to develop a championship mindset in our faith and how we live it out. Much like those championship teams and athletes, who we are and what we’re doing when no one is watching (“when the cameras aren’t rolling”) has a profound impact on our thoughts, words and actions when people are watching. And, maybe more than you or I realize, others really are watching. Many people you see and interact with on a daily basis are searching for what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Two pieces of Scripture stand out to me in regards to bringing a championship mindset into our faith:

Mark 12:30: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Those verses—and the example Christ set for us—should be all the inspiration we need. He lived the ultimate sold-out and passionate life focused on bringing glory to His Father. And it was through His life, death and resurrection that we can claim eternal life as our own.

Let’s apply a “championship mindset” to how we live, love and share the heart of the One who exemplified it more than any other—Christ, the Lord.

Model the Master,

Les Steckel

FCA President/CEO

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–This article appears in the March/April 2016 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue digitally, click here: March/April 2016 FCA Magazine Digital

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