My son Matthew wrestles for the Cobra Wrestling All-Stars in Portland, Oregon. The club is coached by one of the best coaches in the nation and is made up of wrestlers who are either national champions or place at the national level. The club has produced Olympic medalists.
Matthew wrestles there because he wants to be the best wrestler he can be.
Practices are grueling and extremely uncomfortable. His training partners smash him.
Coach Sprague encourages them but probably spends just as much time, or more, telling them what they are doing wrong than what they are doing right. It is often harsh.
When they are drenched in sweat and about to collapse, he will tell them they are not working hard enough.
But the wrestlers welcome it because they want to be champions. The reward of excellence as a result of this discomfort is greater than any reward that comes from seeking comfort. The kids recognize this.
It occurs to me that in our walk as followers of Jesus, we need to have the same kind of attitude and relationships as described above.
First of all, submit yourself completely to The Head Coach – Jesus.
If you want to be a champion then surround yourself with people who want to be champions. If you want to compete at the highest levels then train with those who compete at the highest levels. Spend lots of time with the people who will raise your game.
If you want to grow then put yourself with a team that will make you uncomfortable when you do things that are wrong. Bad technique and behavior should not be tolerated. Hang out with people who will push you to do the difficult things.
And if you are truly working to win the prize, do not be quick to defend yourself when Coach tells you where your technique or attitude is flawed.
The great athletes are always teachable and open for correction from not only their coaches but other athletes too. Those correcting you will recognize your teachability and want to help you more.
And in all that you do everyday, go 100%. No lukewarm or mediocre efforts. Nobody wants to train with lazy teammates. And if you are lazy, you hurt them more than you hurt yourself. If you want to help others the most, then be vicious in your commitment to work heartily. Your work ethic will be contagious to your teammates.
I am thankful that I have great “athletes” on my team. My wife, my friends, my fellowship of believers all keep me running the race. My prayer is that I would be confident but not proud. Confident so to be quick to engage in battle but not proud so that I am open for correction when I go astray.
My prayer is that I would be less concerned about myself and more concerned about the team; God and His people.
My prayer is that I would be fully committed to the Head Coach who leads us and shepherds us in His work.
And last but not least. Never give up. No matter how bad it gets. Never give up.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him”
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
