“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11

Whether its football training camp or school supply sales, it always surprises me how soon they come.

Surprise probably isn’t the word most students or their parents use. The word, dread, comes to mind when I think of a student’s response. On the other hand, the word, relief, may best describes their parent’s comeback.

In either case, one of the primary principles for both football teams and schools is reviewing the basics. Sound fundamentals are the foundation of success. You can never focus on them too soon or too often.

As spiritual leaders, we are bombarded with ‘new’ ideas, programs, approaches, methods … you name it. It is tempting to find a ‘new spiritual gadget’. From parenting to preaching, the market place is full of the ‘ it’s a sure thing’ promotions.

New ideas can be a blessing, but without a solid footing there is little, if anything, to be gained. Reviewing and emphasizing the cornerstones of basic Christianity is essential to any lasting, spiritual impact. You’ll never go wrong by focusing on … Jesus, the Bible, love, purity, forgiveness, commitment, righteousness, holiness, etc.

Gimmicks on the football field or in the classroom may occasionally work, but they never leave a legacy of success. Spiritually, it is the same. Fads are fads and basics are basics. Spiritual success isn’t the numbers that come or emotions that rise, but the fruit that remains.

Get back to the BASICS. Leave an eternal legacy, one that honors Christ and changes hearts.