In our previous meditation, we learned an important lesson from a legendary boxer, Mike Tyson. We are looking in the direction of another boxer for inspiration today as well. Recently, Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating Tyson Fury in a split decision of two to one. His post-fight interview revealed what the title cost him. He said, “My camp started in September, 2023 and I worked for nine months. I missed Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then, the birth of my daughter. I also missed family holidays. I was only focused on this fight, now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”

“Success has always been predicated on sacrifice and focus…Believers in Christ who have the promise of abiding and imperishable crown should not count any sacrifice too heavy to make.”

Both in sports and other types of human endeavours, success has always been predicated on sacrifice and focus. Today, we meet people who want to succeed but are not willing to put in the needed sacrifice. Or, it may be that you see people with broken focus. They are not able to hold themselves down to a particular venture for any reasonable length of time. Those who truly desire success must learn discipline and patience. When the results begin to roll in, the sacrifices would be worth it. Apostle Paul put a spiritual angle to this. Men give up a lot to succeed in competitions that will fetch them temporary medals. Believers in Christ who have the promise of abiding and imperishable crown should not count any sacrifice too heavy to make.