In honor of the Super Bowl, last month’s article was on The Arena. The Arena is the place
where legends are born- legends like Peyton Manning. Most of you know that Peyton just retired from football, after eighteen years of hard work and dedication. The Denver Post printed an article covering the story called, Peyton Manning’s Legacy Will Need to Be Told By Others. Here is an excerpt from that article,
“At Manning’s retirement ceremony…the final question was in regard to Peyton’s footprint revolutionizing the position of quarterback, and what impact he would have on future quarterbacks. He responded: ‘I can’t answer that myself…’ Peyton would decline to define his legacy. That delineation of influence will be left up to millions of other people…”
Success in the arena has many aspects but, when thinking about the subject, two things really came to my mind. The first aspect is summed up by this quote from an anonymous author, “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do.” Many of you have experienced success in this area. Whether you have inspired a student to be the father or mother that God had called them to be or an intern to work for a cause that helps others or maybe you have inspired your own son or daughter to follow in your ministry footprints- success has to do with what you influence others to do- this is an important part of your legacy and those that you have inspired, will tell your story.
Secondly, success in the arena has to do, not just with personal “wins,” but with team wins as well. Read Manning’s definition of success in the arena, “When I look back on my NFL career, I’ll know without a doubt that I gave everything I had to help my teams walk away with a win.”
This is a challenge to all of us- are we doing everything we can so that our team wins? Yes, we want personal success and legacy but there is nothing more inspiring than seeing a team play for team success. It brings great glory to God when His people work together for a common cause and a common victory. When this happens, no one man gets accolades; the accolades rest at the throne of God.
How do we manage this kind of legacy? How do we gain the success that inspires others and brings both personal and team victories? Read what Peyton is quoted as saying, “There were other players who were more talented, but there was no one who could out-prepare me. And, because of that, I have no regrets.”
Peyton Manning was not the most talented quarterback the NFL has ever seen but he arguable was the most prepared. I want to challenge you today to prepare for success. The most important and effective way to do this is through prayer and the study of God’s Word. When we put on the full armor of God, we are prepared to expect, fight and win the daily battles that rage in our lives. As we focus on preparing for success, we will inspire others, see victories in our lives and in the lives of our teammates. It is then we will leave a legacy for others and we will say, like Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
In the Arena Together,
Brice Maddock (COO, Teen Challenge Southeast)
Congratulations to Mike Spivey, Jacksonville for moving on to your electives!
