I don’t know a coach or athlete who doesn’t want to win. Everyone wants to win, but many don’t know where to start and even more aren’t willing to do what it takes to earn a win. Locker rooms are filled with slogans and quotes to inspire athletes to play their best. But what’s the secret? Where does the will to win come from? Two things are critical in achieving the success in sports and every arena of life: passion and teamwork. Give me a passionate team that’s willing to work together, and we can win!

The idea of playing with passion and as a team is nothing new. Jesus presented the idea when He was asked which commandment in the law was the most important. He replied that we must love God with every fiber of our being. That kind of commitment requires passion all day, every day. Jesus wants us to be all in. He wants us to bring it every play! But He also wants us to love others as much as we love ourselves. He knows that “we” is more important than “me.” Jesus knows the value and the joy that comes through playing as a team. There is no magic formula, no great mystery; winning requires passion and teamwork.