UNIV104-B28_ Discussion Thread: Training Champions for Christ

Discussion Thread: Training Champions for Christ

The “Training Champions for Christ” video greatly provides the underlying message behind the importance of the Gospel and deploying the essential core values needed for students and others alike. It offers the capabilities to effectively progress in our education; seek out necessary resources pertinent to our own personal cause; and above all, grow ever more with the Lord at the forefront of our path in life. This brief visual teaching exemplifies how we are to associate ourselves accordingly both with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the means in which we are to direct ourselves in and of the Faith as a light unto the world. Jerry Falwell emphasizes that our walk with the Lord is not something that is meant for our convenience in life. It is a daily sacrificial offering to be made each day. “No eight hours a day, five days a week. Oh, no! It’s seven days a week, and it’s twenty-four hours a day because many enter the race but only One gets the prize,” Falwell exclaims in the video. We must die daily to keep ourselves focused on the path of God. Any adversity that sets us apart from Him is an opportunity for sin to gain control.

I believe the “Philosophy of Education and Mission Statement” at Liberty University (2023) could not be any truer. When observing the application of this mission and the educational thought behind it, it is the very divine source and nature in its God revealing acclamations for the evidence of an all-powerful, infinite, and intelligent designer. By acknowledging this, through my own conscience and soul, bears testimony in itself. These are the very reasons, philosophies, values, beliefs, etc. of inspirational words needed for the fortitude of mankind— God’s Words and His Inspiration. For HE IS the bringer of Life itself and by no man can he do unto the same. These adversaries of the Truth seek to disable and disarm this Divine inheritance bestowed to us that nothing of the sort can be done nor replicated but by the Lord Himself. It is but only such a thing that can be ordained and administered by a Creator God. These sacred tools must be used with the wisdom of God and the love of Jesus Christ. This ultimately cannot be done simply by that of our own understanding and the intrusion of a selfishly imprudent heart if we are to lead our lives accordingly to Him. It is by no means anything short of this mission statement that my understanding is to be enabled with the Holy Spirit which I hope to entrust in His name for, not only myself, but for the sake of others. The Liberty University Mission Statement is all in of a Divine Nature and true to my own aspirations. In the book, Short Studies in Literature authored by H.W. Mabie, he states,

“great men are inspired; that is breathed into by something not of themselves.”

 Then he continues,

“Call that something what we may, it is clear that it exists…” (Mabie, 1893)

This is where we must remain vigilant in our walk with God and be alert to what might that be which is speaking to us. 

Two of the six foundational skills at Liberty University I can humorously attest that I may, perhaps, do enough of on a regular basis. Communication and information literacy; and critical thinking are qualities that are inherently involved in my day to day. These are skills and natural inborn traits passed on from our Divine Creator as mechanisms to associate ourselves with our fellow brethren and to combat the likes of sin. There are some of which that use these skills in a more developed manner and then some just as much on the contrary. As I hear these words uttered, I readily interpret them as “communication through information in literary form,” or more familiarly known to us as “literature.” I work towards my best, and to what I frame as, leading a “literature led lifestyle” through the inspiration of God as I continue to learn to cultivate better engagements in a social environment. Hopefully, these two skill sets will serve me well and as for the others, well, I will have to confess I am not as proficient when engaging in large crowds nor have I ever taken much the liking of numbers. However, I must not allow this to hinder my enthusiasm towards growth in these skill areas, but to learn everyday with a humble heart and a sound mind from others.

Church and the Christian lifestyle were never much a stranger to me growing up as I spent most of my life, quite literally, from birth in the House of God. However, it was walking in the Spirit and remaining truly faithful and applying that to every part of my walk where God needed me to be; and to keep Him pinnacle of my life that I was lacking the most for if it was even there at all. The words and the knowledge were there, yet the walk with Him had been severely lacking. This is what was more transient to me. There are those who tend to be a bit more “abrasive” when told to do something. So, when you are forced to do something and not take it upon yourself to seek Him, it can really clutter your sense of purpose and perspective. And sometimes, usually in particular circumstances, the Lord makes Himself known and comes knocking on your door instead.

The power of submission to the Holy Spirit is an extraordinary thing. Things that we cannot rationalize or make much sense of— these “miracles” are an extraordinary thing. Some people are, I suppose, fortunate enough not to ever really undergo critical measures for them to turn back to God. In other cases, it takes heavier remedial instruction from Him.  This is why many turn from Him in desperate times and then seek to find the answers on their own, leading them to become abhorrent to the One who showed us such love and mercy that He would allow us to live a life as we please— to accept Him or to reject Him. 

I am very excited about growing alongside other like-minded loving Christians whom of which are all just trying our best to exact our reverence unto the Lord. I am eager to observe how others use these foundational skill sets at Liberty University to be a light unto others in their own unique ways and learn from them. Most importantly, I hope and pray for us to never give into the clutches of adversity, to follow the Way of Jesus, and do so by the ordinances that God has instructed us to live by.  

Works Cited

Liberty University. Educational Philosophy & Mission Statement. Liberty University,

https://www.liberty.edu/about/purpose-and-mission-statement/. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Mabie, Hamilton Wright. Short Studies in Literature. Dodd, Mead and Company, 1893.