First – an athlete must be DECLARED as one qualified to compete in the Olympic games. They must first qualify in pre-Olympic events and pass other standard criteria.

In the spiritual realm, God opens the way to heaven and everlasting life to “whosoever will” (John 3:16). To qualify for God’s Olympics you must be “born again” spiritually from above (John 3:3) by realizing that you need a Savior (Romans 3:23) and receive God’s free gift of salvation (I John 1:12).

Second – winners have a DREAM or purpose that is greater and higher than themselves for which they are willing to die for. The Apostle Paul had the ultimate purpose and goal in life – to know Christ (Philippians 3:10).

Third – to realize that that dream or purpose takes DISCIPLINE to achieve. Olympians go through years of rigorous training and discipline. Paul used the analogy of the Iberian games in describing followers of Christ who are running in the race of life. “Do you not know that hose who run in a race, all run but only one receives the prize? Run in a way that you may win. And everyone . . . who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. Therefore, I run in such a way as not without aim and I buffet my body and make it a slave, lest possibly I myself should be disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB).

Winning starts with the way we think. It has to do with the mind. Being a person of inner strength is a mental factor. It has to do with the way we think about God, others, and ourselves. Do a daily workout by getting your mind renewed through meditating on the Word of God. (See Romans 12: 1, 2.)

Strong discipline involves the will. Disciplining the eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Have a daily workout by presenting your body to the Lord as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1, 2). Keep a moral check on yourself by refusing to let down your standard. People of strength learn how to turn right thinking into action -–even when their feelings don’t agree.

Winning limits your choice of personal friends and activities. What appears to be harmless can prove to be dangerous. Cultivate wrong friendships and activities and you’ll lose. Be disciplined! See Philippians 4:4-9.) Winners spend their time wisely (Ephesians 5:11-16).

Fourth – winners DEPEND on others to help them reach their goal. Coaches, teammates, parents, and a host of others helped them achieve excellence.

God has a team called the church made up of believers in Christ who help and encourage one another to run the race. No one does it alone (Hebrew 12:1, 2). The greatest coach is Jesus Christ. He is the “author and finisher of our faith”. Christ has given the Holy Spirit “to those who obey Him” to make us into champions. (See Acts 5:32.)

Fifth – DETERMINATION is a key to being a winner. When Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), the word “seek” implies a strong-minded pursuit. The Greek shows a continual command. Determination is deciding to hang tough, regardless.

Hal Sherlock, former coach at the University of Montana was asked the secret of his 35 years of successful coaching. He replied that since a young boy, he had lived by these words:

“Press on. Nothing in the world
Can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common
Than unsuccessful men – with talent.
Genius will not.

Un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not;
The world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination
Alone are important.” (Author Unknown)

With determination keep your eye on the goal. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:7-14). Christ is the ultimate prize.

Sixth – Olympians must DECREE an Allegiance to the Olympic spirit, the rules, and the rulings of the judges. Earthly judges can make mistakes or be unduly influenced, but Jesus Christ is the perfect judge.

We must run the race in obedience to the Word of God and finish the race – to win that which is more valuable than a perishable wreath or a gold metal (I Corinthians 9:26, 27). We must all someday stand before the righteous judge at the throne of God. The criterion of a winner, in God’s estimation, is that your name is written in “The Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 20:11-15 and John 5:22). Is your name written there?

Be a winner. Call on Jesus who died on the cross for your sins and mine. Keep your eye upon the goal, the finish line. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9, 10).