President Prevo’s Post: What does it mean to be a Champion?
Whether it was Abraham following the call of God to leave the land of his forefathers, David tending his father’s sheep in the shepherd’s field or Paul blinded on the road to Damascus, all big things have humble beginnings. That is intentional when God is involved. He is the author of the grand story.
Perhaps Peter knew it best when he experienced the shame of denying Christ three times and the humility of repentance and restoration. Peter was charged to feed Christ’s sheep by Jesus (John 21:15-17). He later wrote, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Being a champion for Christ requires humility. Without humility, we might have the talent, ability and intellect necessary to perform well, but we will fall dramatically short of being a champion of Christ. Humility is the indispensable quality of a true champion.
This past week, I have experienced the loss of a dear friend. I have also celebrated the successes of Liberty champions, and I have shared in recognition of someone who answered the call of God to serve in public office and is now governor of Virginia. Everywhere I look, there are champions among us.
My longtime friend Don Young represented my home state of Alaska in U.S. Congress for 49 years. Young advocated for the unborn, stood up for religious liberty and worked hand in hand with those who disagreed with him to ensure the best for our country.
Young came to faith in Christ and was baptized at the church where I pastored, Anchorage Baptist Temple. In 2009, I officiated his wife Lula’s funeral. I am so thankful for Young’s friendship, his Christlike example and his boldness as a congressman. Even my good friend Franklin Graham said, “Don will be missed but will never be replaced.” Young ran his race, finished well and demonstrated the qualities of a champion for Christ.
This last week, Liberty University was also proud to host NFL Pro Day on campus, a gathering of NFL coaches and scouts from across the country, for our senior quarterback Malik Willis. Many of our guests had commented about the professionalism and the impressive atmosphere here at Liberty.
Willis is now being sought after for his talent on the field, but more importantly, he received recognition for being a leader who is not shy about his faith off the field. Willis was this year’s recipient of the Bobby Bowden Trophy for his commitment to excellence and Christian service in the community. Willis is a humble champion for Christ.
In addition, Liberty University junior William Byron won his third NASCAR Cup Series race this last week in Atlanta. Byron started racing when he was just 13. Rick Hendrick took a chance on him and gave him the opportunity to drive on his team. Byron keeps a plaque in his car engraved with a passage from Ephesians 3 that declares all good things in our lives are from God. Through his perseverance and humility, Byron has demonstrated that he, too, is a champion for Christ.
Liberty University was honored to host 74th Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin at Convocation. Gov. Youngkin did an excellent job of telling his story of becoming CEO of the Carlyle Group and later answering the call of God to run for office. He said that in his personal walk with the Lord and his prayer life, he heard a distinct calling to step out in faith and run for governor. He did not know that he would win, but he knew that God was calling him to be faithful.
Even more impressive was not how Youngkin finished but how he began. He started in a humble beginning by washing dishes for his first job. He worked diligently and faithfully, not knowing where it would take him or to what pursuits God would ultimately call him. That, too, is what it means to be a champion for Christ.
James, the brother of Jesus, reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). A true champion understands that it takes more than talent to achieve excellence; it takes humility. Humility is the wisdom to lay aside our will and desires in service to the one who has called and equipped us. Start small. Be faithful in the little things. Be humble, stay hungry and he will lift you up.
Prevo is the President of Liberty University.