For the Record

Most in the Mount Paran Christian School community are aware that our MPC cheerleaders recently won consecutive State competition cheer title number SIX. What an accomplishment! As did many of you, I had the privilege of watching their practice routine before they left, and I was blown away! After witnessing the endless tumbles, flips, and tosses, one thing was very clear -- these girls were ready. Their preparation, discipline, and trust in each other was evident in their performance. It was clear to all who were watching.

So… Do you see it? Do you see the connection?

Preparation
Discipline
Trust

Senior Olivia Leveridge stated, "Success is no accident; it is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice, and trust. But most of all, it is a love of what you're doing and who you are doing it for: God." This connection is another great reminder from the everyday lives of our MPCS students. Here's how it aligns with our mission.

Preparation

The competition cheerleaders spend hours upon hours running their routine until it becomes habit — second nature. The same must be true for us. God's word says in 1 Peter 1:13 that we must “...prepare our minds for action, fixing our hope on the grace of Jesus Christ.” We must spend time with Him and His Word, preparing. Preparing during the feast for the famine, preparing during the sunshine for the storm, and preparing on the mountain for the valley. Only His Word will do that.

Discipline

Next, 1 Timothy 4:7 says we must  “...train ourselves to be godly.” This is the hard part — the sacrifice part — the “giving up something important” part. For these girls to have the success they have achieved, personal discipline was absolutely necessary. They often had to sacrifice what they wanted to do for what needed to be done. Our spiritual “training” requires the same.

Trust

Finally, trust. Through hours of sacrifice and discipline, the girls learn to trust each other. They don’t look back and they don’t hesitate. They just jump. Trust in God requires the same. And what’s interesting is, how well we do the first two, will often determine how well we do the last. The more preparation in His Word, the more discipline we show, which will always lead to greater trust in His promises and presence. The closer we are, the more we trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

This season the varsity cheerleaders used preparation, discipline, and trust to achieve their goal of a 6th consecutive State title — a record for consecutive wins in the state of Georgia in cheerleading. May we use the same habits daily to find ourselves exactly where God wants us to be. Let our prayer always be, “Lord, may our preparation, discipline, and trust in You be evident to all who watch my life.”

Steve Kyle is the Director of Christian Life at Mount Paran Christian School.

To learn more about the Christian cheer program at MPCS as well as other Christ-centered sports offered, click here.