We Play Till You Win

Playing Till We Win: A Christian Perspective on Perseverance and Victory

“We play till we win.” This mantra, often echoing from the gridiron, speaks of a relentless spirit, an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of victory. While the context may be athletic competition, this phrase holds profound resonance for the Christian life. Our faith journey is not a passive stroll; it’s an active pursuit, a race that demands endurance, a battle that requires unwavering resolve. We are called to “play till we win,” to persevere in faith until we reach the ultimate victory in Christ.

This “winning” is not about earthly triumphs or fleeting accolades.¹ It’s about the eternal victory won for us by Jesus Christ, and our active participation in claiming that victory in our daily lives. It’s about overcoming sin, resisting temptation, and growing in our relationship with God. It’s about living a life that reflects His love and grace, impacting the world for His kingdom.

The Biblical Foundation of Perseverance

The Bible is replete with examples of perseverance and its rewards.² Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”³⁴ We are called to follow the example of Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him.⁵

The apostle Paul, in his letters, repeatedly emphasizes the importance of perseverance.⁶ In Galatians 6:9, he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. In 2 Timothy 4:7, he declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”⁷ Paul’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, even in the face of immense challenges and persecution.⁸

Obstacles on the Field of Faith

The Christian journey is not without its obstacles. We face internal struggles with sin and doubt, external pressures from a world opposed to God, and spiritual battles against the forces of darkness. These challenges can tempt us to give up, to throw in the towel and walk off the field.

Discouragement can be a formidable opponent. When we face setbacks, when prayers seem unanswered, when our efforts appear fruitless, it’s easy to lose heart. Doubt can creep in, whispering lies about God’s faithfulness and our own worthiness.⁹

Temptation lurks at every corner, enticing us with fleeting pleasures and worldly distractions.¹⁰ The enemy of our souls seeks to derail us from our course, to lure us away from God’s path.¹¹

Strategies for Spiritual Endurance

How then do we “play till we win” in the face of such challenges? How do we persevere in faith and claim the victory that is ours in Christ?

1. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus: Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.¹² When we focus on Him, on His love, His sacrifice, and His promises, we find the strength to endure. In the midst of trials, remember that Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).¹³

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life pleasing to God.¹⁴ He guides us, convicts us, comforts us, and strengthens us. We are not alone in this journey; we have the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:16-25).¹⁵

3. Immerse yourself in God’s Word: The Bible is our playbook for life, providing guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture nourishes our souls and equips us for the battles we face (2 Timothy 3:16-17).¹⁶

4. Pray without ceasing: Prayer is our lifeline to God, a constant communication with our Heavenly Father.¹⁷ Through prayer, we express our dependence on Him, seek His guidance, and draw strength from His presence (1 Thessalonians 5:17).¹⁸

5. Surround yourself with a community of faith: We are not meant to walk this journey alone. The church provides a community of support, encouragement, and accountability.¹⁹ Surround yourself with fellow believers who will spur you on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).²⁰

6. Celebrate small victories: The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.²¹ Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, as a testament to God’s grace and your perseverance.

7. Remember the eternal reward: Our ultimate goal is not earthly success but eternal life with God. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize, the incomparable joy of being in the presence of our Savior for eternity (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

The Victory is Assured

The beauty of the Christian faith is that victory is not contingent on our own strength or performance. It is secured through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We play till we win, not to earn salvation, but to live out the victory that is already ours.

This knowledge should fill us with hope and confidence. No matter what challenges we face, we can persevere knowing that God is with us, that He is fighting for us, and that He has already won the ultimate victory.²²

So, let us step onto the field of faith with courage and determination. Let us “play till we win,” not with a spirit of arrogance or self-reliance, but with humility and dependence on God. Let us run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.²³ For in Him, we are more than conquerors, and our victory is assured.