As 2014 comes to a close, we’re putting the finishing touches on our 60th year of ministry at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This year has been a special one as we look back at historic moments from the last six decades and remember some of the “giants” of FCA’s past whose shoulders we stand upon today. It has been a year we won’t soon forget.
When I reflect on the year and those faithful folks who followed God’s calling to begin this ministry, I’m reminded of the night I felt God calling me to follow Him. It was years ago as a sophomore at the University of Kansas when I heard the gospel for the very first time. A life dedicated to Christ, the man explained, was full of the four P’s: Peace, Purpose, Power and Pardon. Each of those words has meant so much to my faith journey ever since.
Peace – It was several years later after college, after Vietnam with the Marine Corps, and into my career as a young coach that I came across a book called “The Road Less Traveled” by Dr. M. Scott Peck. The first line of the book reads, “Life is difficult.” And it really is. Sickness, serious injury, divorce, heartache and death are just a few of the many challenges we face. Yet, since that night at KU, I have felt the presence of a sovereign God who is in charge, giving me the peace that only He can provide.
Purpose – I’ve been on this planet for a long time and met a lot of folks along the way, and we’re all asking the same questions: “Why am I here?” “Why am I in this specific circumstance?” “Why have I been given these blessings and opportunities?” “What’s my true meaning in life?” The only answer I’ve ever had for those questions is that once you come to know the Lord Jesus and seek His will for your life, He’ll show you His purpose for placing you here.
Power – God has wired us all so differently. My wife and I are blessed with three adult children and three grandchildren. And guess what? They are all so different, and yet they each have such great qualities, talents and skills. The same is true for each of us. But I believe that those qualities, talents and skills are not fully utilized until we allow the Lord’s power to work through us for His glory. Think about it—He has shown He has the power to overcome death and sin. That’s some serious stuff! And that’s the source of power available to us when we surrender our lives to Christ and allow Him to work through us.
Pardon – I was once asked if I could go a full day without sinning. I responded by saying that I wasn’t sure if I could make it just a half of a day, or even a few hours. We are so fragile, so sinful, so prideful and self-centered. Really, have you ever thought about the motivation behind your actions? Are you open and transparent, or are you secretive and manipulative? Are you really being honest with yourself? We must answer those questions to become completely self-aware. And once we’re self-aware, we'll realize just how much we need Jesus and the salvation that He offers us. It’s then that we truly understand what a special gift it is to be pardoned by the Almighty God.
The four P’s—Peace, Purpose, Power and Pardon—are available to us through Jesus Christ. That message from years ago changed my life to this day.
What about you? Have you allowed Christ to become your Savior and your Lord, unleashing the four P’s in your life? There’s no better time to do that than right now. Take up your cross and join me and all of the fellow followers of Christ, including those who helped establish the great ministry of FCA 60 years ago. Allow His peace, His purpose, His power and His pardon to impact the rest of your life.
Model the Master,
Les Steckel
FCA President/CEO
–This article appears in the November/December 2014 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: Nov/Dec 2014 FCA Mag Digital
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