"For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
Now that Tom Brady has announced his retirement from a fantastic football career, much has been said about Tom as a quarterback. He has led his teams to 7 Super Bowl wins. He has played longer than most NFL players. But no one talks of Tom Brady as the best quarterback of all time. Tom is not a great player, but Tom is a champion.
In the world in general there are good players. They make up the majority of any business or team. They are good and reliable and faithful. But that's all that they are. There are some who by virtue of talent or determination become great players. They become leaders. They attract attention. Great players are what the fans spend money to see. Great musicians, great actors, great authors, great performers in any sport or field. They become famous up to a point.
And then there are champions. Champions must at least be very good. They must have the necessary skills to do the job. They understand how the game is played. But they also have something that is hard to define. They rise to the big moment. They thrive on the big decisions. They make the bold moves that great player cannot even see. And in the end they are recognized as champions.
Pastors are no different. Many are called but few rise above all others. Churches are the same. They have a mystique and a spirit that everyone recognizes but few can define. Champions put in the time and do the work. But it is more than just out-working everyone else. David was a champion. Moses was a champion. Paul was a champion. Christ was the ultimate champion, though he is different in ways we do not understand. Pastor Mitchell was a champion.
Champions are not egotists or self important. True champions understand that they are different. They are humble. They are grateful. They recognize that being a champion is a gift from God.
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