The Heart of a Champion

 There are many signs and indicators that society has attributed of being marks of a champion. Various sources of our community have implied that a champion is known by: the number of victories he/she has, the types of challenge that one has faced, the number of trophies, plaques, bowls or belts a person owns or simply put the dollar amount of the prizes that they have accumulated. Our culture and general public has labeled these as attributes of a champion. Beyond these, what is the mark of a Champion?

Without digressing too far, it is my opinion that all accomplishments are simply the result of a person being a genuine champion. Champions are the emblems which solidify the fact that victory has been accomplished. Through much consideration, I have come to suggest that a true champion is one who is not only known by his/her lucrative possession and accolades but by their inner person known as the heart.

What a person begins to think activates the process of who they are.  For it is within the heart of a person that the battle begins and ends. For as a person thinks within himself so is he; and out of the heart of man precede all the thoughts of who he is. Therefore, it is the inner person that positions him or herself to think like a champion and then to become a champion.

The heart of a champion is not determined by where one lives or the genealogy from which one is birthed. It is noteworthy to mention that, champions have emerged from all sorts of backgrounds, lifestyles and professions. Many were not birthed from ivory palaces or marble kingdoms.

Like unwanted puppies, some champions have been the runt of the litter, going last, and being picked over, only to grow into the genuine champion they have been designated to become. They have been men and women of our communities’ and neighborhoods whom the world has written off as non-qualified challengers, often times because of some physical defect, surface blemish, exterior flaw, identifiable shortcoming or societal imperfection.

I have come to respect the statement, “It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but it is the size of the fight in the dog.” It is a person’s private inner strength, tenacity and character that determine their place as a champion. For within a person’s heart, can be seen faith, courage, diligence, discipline, preparation, humility, discernment and obedience. These are a few attributes of a champion.

You as the reader know that many champions are individuals who have been through and survived multiple failures, whether it was relational, business or personal breakdowns (goals). While others have journeyed beyond life’s obscurities, gloom, murkiness and dark shadows to be crowned a champion.

It should be well noted that, a real champion is known by his/her heart and how skillfully they will face their challenges. Regardless of the size, type or length of the challenge, a real Champion endures. As a champion, you must endure hardships, affliction, disappointment and chastising as good soldiers. Champions are confronted with continuous turmoil for several reasons; first, the enemy desires to defeat you as a champion and a child of God. Second, you are a person filled with purpose and destiny. God has stated that “In this world we shall have tribulation.” Finally, our battles are also a time of pruning, and an opportunity for developing your character.

Therefore, the threats and challenges of your finances, marriage, employment, sickness, education, family, ministry etc. are all vain attempts to dethrone you as a reigning champ.

As a champion, when faced with a challenge, it is acknowledging the adversity that you are confronted with because it is shaping and forming you into the image that Christ has purposed. Champions are not born, but made--made through challenges also known as wars, battles and hardship.

For every challenge, you as a champion must be prepared, allowing your inner heart to fight even before the actual events take place. You must have determined within yourself that you are the champion, the winner and the victor.