EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
When you win in life, you're also a champ

By Russell Higa

Tiger Woods. Michelle Wie. Barry Bonds. Kobe Bryant. Timmy Chang.

Our society is enamored with the lives of these and other champions.

Michelle Wie is just 13 years old but this famous local girl is being interviewed on "SportsCenter" and her photo is splashed across a full page in August's ESPN The Magazine.

Our secret wish may be:

"If only my child were like Michelle, if I only had Tiger's swing, if only I were blessed with Kobe Bryant's athletic ability, then I, too, would be a champion. Then I, too, would be super-happy."

Such thinking is flawed, because being a champion in athletics does not translate into being a champion in life.

Need I mention Mike Tyson? When is a champion not a champion? When he or she loses in the most important arena, the arena of life.

When is ordinary Joe a true champion? When he wins in life!

The Bible does not speak of Super Bowls, the World Series or the NBA Finals. Football, baseball, basketball and golf are not even in the Bible. But the word "life" is written 635 times.

Why is this?

While we are concerned about winning championships, God is concerned that you be a champion in life.

God wants you to win in life! In John 10:10, Jesus said: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

If you are married, God wants you to have the most wonderful, fulfilling marriage relationship possible. If you are a father or a mother, God desires that you build strong and healthy families.

Jesus came to give you life in all its fullness. He wants you to prosper in your work. He wants you to shine in life.

So if you don't have Tiger's swing, Barry's bat, or Lily Kahumoku's power, can you still be a glorious champion? Yes! Definitely!

When an ordinary Joe becomes a follower of Jesus, he/she begins to live as a champion. Perhaps not as a champion athlete, but definitely as a champion in life. Of course, championship living does not come easily.

Many become followers of Jesus and do not shine. Why? Because we all need coaching, instruction, inspiration and encouragement.

Where can we get such instruction and encouragement? At a Christian church that teaches God's word.

So would I like to have Tiger's swing or Barry's bat? Sure I would.

But even if I don't have such talent, I am very happy because I can live as God's champion.

Russell Higa is the senior pastor at Honolulu Christian Church, which is organizing next weekend's Men's Conference, "Lifestyles of Champions".

Expressions of Faith welcomes written works by pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles that are submitted may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.