Last Friday night, our Blanco Panthers experienced a heart-breaking loss in the state semi-final game. It was a truly honorable championship run that deserves to be celebrated. Reflecting on the season, driving back from Waller, I began thinking about why we are so energized by such things.
Why do we pursue championships, celebrate champions, and cheer for champions? To be sure, there are several reasons (some more commendable than others), but I believe at the heart of issue lies something of what it means to be made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Mankind was created to reign over the earth, exercising dominion as God’s representatives (Gen. 1:28). Even though we now live east of Eden plagued by the corrupting effects of sin, there are still powerful evidences of the image of God in every man and woman, boy and girl. For that reason, we strive for excellence, are energized by teamwork, and long for perfection. We see this not only in athletics, but in every area of life. These values and pursuits are completely consistent with Scripture which tells us “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and again, “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Granted, sin’s corrupting power has also infected our definition of these values and our pursuit of these goals, but these innate desires remain rooted in what it means to be human, created in God’s image.
So, in light of our Blanco Panthers’ amazing championship run, I offer these few thoughts on competition and the pursuit of excellence and championships:
1. Champions know hard work. For a champion, it is not primarily about the lights and the crowds (as energizing as game time is). Champions long to see themselves be more than they are, conquer obstacles and overcome challenges. Games are not mere events but tests, and champions know what it takes to pass. They have not only witnessed the hard work that leads to victory, they have worked it out in the trenches. Champions know that victory begins on the practice field when there are no spectators, no cheering, and no lights… only the repetition of a whistle demanding more every time it sounds.
2. Champions know excellence and they celebrate it, even when it shows up on the opposing side of the field. Whenever and wherever a champion sees excellence, he does not despise it nor does he grow bitter. Winners celebrate other winners; they are attracted to them not envious of them. There is respect that champions share. Because of this mutual respect, they oppose one another strongly during the game and then congratulate one another honorably after it.
3. One final thought: champions know defeat. Tony Evans, Dallas-area pastor and former Dallas Cowboy Chaplain, speaks of the “loser’s limp.” When you get beat on a play or don’t make that diving catch, you then pull up with a slight limp. The limp says, “I could have caught that, but it’s not my fault.” Champions don’t make excuses. We may not like it, but we can own our mistakes and inabilities, because we know we did our dead-level best. While we don’t accept failure, we embrace it as a tool to make us better. And regardless of final scores and stats, we hold our heads high no matter what because we worked and prepared and then left it all on the field. Champions are not defined by our failures but shaped by them.
By these standards and others, our Panthers have proven themselves to be champions. They have clearly pursued excellence, celebrated excellence, and responded honorably in defeat. As a new member of the Blanco community I want to celebrate and encourage every young man and his family. Way to go, Panthers!
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