Last week, Indiana University completed an improbable journey by winning the national football championship.
When coach Curt Cignetti was hired, IU had the ignoble distinction of losing more games in its 140-year history than any other university. In the past two years, Cignetti and IU are 27–2: Big Ten Champions, Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl winners, and National Champions—culminating in a perfect 16–0 season this year.
What changed? Why did Cignetti succeed when others failed?
The coach often talked about changing the mindset of the student body, administration, and fans—from expecting failure to expecting success. He didn’t begin with talent, star power, or national rankings. Instead, he emphasized preparation, daily discipline, controlling the controllables, avoiding complacency, and focusing on one play at a time—then forgetting it, whether it was a success or failure.
In listening to his interviews and hearing their Heisman star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, echo the same ideas, it reminds us that these principles have a scriptural basis for successful discipleship.
#1 Develop the Right Mindset
The Bible teaches the importance of our thinking. The wise man wrote, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). We become what our minds constantly dwell on. James Allen enunciated this principle when he wrote, “Thought and character are one.”
For the Christian, we begin with internalizing the mind of Christ. “Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). His attitude was selfless, submissive, servile, sacrificial, and spiritual. Imitating Jesus will be reflected in the same mindset.
#2 Daily Discipline
Just as discipline is important for competing successfully in sports, it is also essential in the Christian life. The apostle Paul, using the metaphor of the runner, wrote:
“Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:26–27).
Cignetti says discipline, daily habits, and consistency are non-negotiables.
Discipleship works the same way. Spiritual growth, strength, and maturity are not accidental. They are forged in the daily habits of prayer, Bible study, meditation, and godly focus. They are buttressed by fellowship, worship, and ministry.
Discipleship is not an event; it is a process. But over time, as the discipline of these habits becomes ingrained in our character, we enjoy spiritual success.
#3 Avoid Complacency
Cignetti often uses a striking phrase—“stalking complacency.” In other words, never allow comfort, ease, or early success to dull effort and lead into the trap of self-satisfaction.
Scripture repeatedly warns Christ-followers to remain “alert,” “watchful,” “vigilant,” and “on guard.” “Let us not become weary in doing good,” admonished Paul (Gal. 6:9).
One writer expressed it this way:
Comfort can quietly become the enemy of growth. When faith becomes routine rather than relational, when service turns mechanical, or when love becomes selective, complacency has set in.
The Bible calls us to “press on toward the prize” (Phil. 3:13). Don’t become satisfied. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep reaching forward.
#4 Control What You Can; Ignore What You Can’t
Cignetti frequently emphasizes “controlling the controllables”—focusing on what players can prepare, practice, and execute, rather than distractions or outcomes beyond their control.
There is much we cannot control in the world: politics, economics, cultural norms, and even the decisions of other Christians. But I can control myself—my mind, my attitudes, my actions, and my faithfulness.
I can control the distractions of this world, my response to temptation and Satan’s schemes, my attitude toward ungodliness, and my reaction when wronged. Instead, my focus needs to be fixed on Jesus (Heb. 12:2) and my eyes on the heavenly prize. I can train myself for godliness (1 Tim. 4:7), regardless of what others do.
Like winning in the athletic arena, our spiritual success is formed and forged behind the scenes—unseen by others, but known by God. It is the result of daily, consistent, and persistent discipleship that seeks to be more conformed to Christ than to the world around us.
“Therefore, train yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7–8).\
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 