“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…” - Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
The Final Four was and always will be one of the most exciting sporting events. Even if you are not a basketball person, it is awesome to watch March Madness as it narrows down 68 teams into four core teams. This makes me think about FCA's Four Core. Not four core teams but four core values. FCA's desire is that all our relationships will demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through our values of integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence.
Core values are simply the way we live, the way we conduct ourselves. They are our attitudes, beliefs and convictions. When everything is stripped away, what is left? It should be integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence. The Four Core are so powerful to me that I have made them my personal values. So, I have to ask you, what are your values? What guides you? Let me share with you the Four Core, which are even better than the Final Four!
INTEGRITY
We commit to Christ-like wholeness, both privately and publicly. Basically, live without gaps. In Proverbs 11:3, it says that integrity should guide you, but a double life will destroy you. We need to be transparent, authentic, honest and trustworthy. We should be the same throughout, not someone different when the competition of the game begins. You are the same when no one is looking. It is not about being perfect, but, as coaches and athletes, we need to be the real deal.
SERVING
We model Jesus' example of serving. In John 13:12-15, Jesus gives us the perfect example of serving when He washes the disciples' feet. He then commands the disciples to go and do to others what He has done to them. How many of your teammates' feet have you washed? Maybe not literally, but spiritually, do you have an attitude of serving just as if you were washing their feet in the locker room? We need to seek out the needs of others. Be passionate about pursuing people who are needy. And the last time I checked, everyone is needy.
TEAMWORK
We express our unity in Christ in all our relationships. In Philippians 2:1-5, Paul encourages us to be one, united together in spirit and purpose. We need to be one team. Not just the team we play on, but on God's Team! We need to equip, encourage and empower one another. Do you celebrate and hurt together as teammates? We need to be arm-in-arm, locking up together to accomplish God's work. There should be no Lone Rangers.
EXCELLENCE
We honor and glorify God in all we do. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes, "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. " The "whatever " part is hard, because it means everything we do needs to be for God, not others. We need to pursue excellence in all we do, including practice, games, school work, lifting weights, etc. God deserves our best, not our leftovers.
It is tip-off time for the game of life. How will you be known?
1. Why are core values so important? How can they shape and mold your life?
2. What are your core values? What would others say your values are?
3. As you review the Four Core, which ones do you identify with the most with?
4. If you had a Four Core, what would they be?
Proverbs 11:3
John 13:12-15
Philippians 2:1-5
Colossians 3:23-24
"Lord Jesus, I want to live and compete with integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence. It is a high standard, but I know that with Your power and strength it can happen. I want all my relationships to be known for things that are of You. Search my heart and reveal to me my values. I lay at the foot of the cross the values that do not honor You, and I ask for Your forgiveness. The values that bring You glory, I lay them at the foot of the cross for Your anointing."