After a few years in a row of seeing close and competitive National Championship games, last night was total domination as the Clemson Tigers took care of Alabama 44-16.

Their incredible performance positioned them as the first college football team to finish 15-0 in a season, while also handing Nick Saban the worst loss of his career.

We could talk about the game and how impressive freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence was or how Clemson’s defense shut down Alabama, but last night was bigger than that. It was a showcase and statement game for the Clemson program.

Winning the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship showed the sports world they were for real, but last night put them on a whole new level.

They are no longer just cute little Clemson with a fun-loving coach, Instead, they are a powerhouse not slowing down, and the standard in college football right now.

Alabama and Saban aren’t going anywhere, but there is no longer a gap between the two programs or a clear cut answer that Saban is the best coach in college football.

Clemson’s success isn’t only about being in the spotlight for winning another Championship. It’s about how this program was built by Dabo Swinney and his staff.

Responses from broadcasters, writers, fans, and social media all recognize there is something different and special about the culture at Clemson.

Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has said, “I think Coach Swinney really does try to serve our hearts instead of our talents.”

Everyone knows this program’s foundation is built on faith and that Dabo doesn’t shy away from his passion for Jesus. Following the game, he said, “For me, personally, joy comes from focusing on Jesus, others, then yourself.”

The top players in the country are flocking to Clemson to be part of an environment experiencing success, but more importantly, they are drawn to the vibe, energy, authentic faith, excitement, joy, love, and genuine brotherhood.

Winning is fun, but building something special with a firm foundation is what sustains and truly makes a difference.

Each one of us is building something such as a family, a business, a ministry, or friendships. The right foundation includes core values and vision so that we can withstand the struggles that come, and be set up to experience fruit.

Every day we decide if we are going to build our lives on faith and if the cornerstone of our faith is Jesus. Are we willing to follow His ways…or is our foundation built on something that is unstable and fleeting?

Are we seeking temporary success, happiness, and pleasure…or eternal joy and Christ-centered fulfillment?

In Matthew 7:24-27 (AMP), Jesus gives a great illustration of what our lives should be built on:

“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house and it fell—and great and complete was its fall.”

Life isn’t about building Championship teams or winning programs, but about building character, relationships, and legacies “founded on the Rock.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I would build my life on what truly matters and what actually lasts. Thank You for Jesus and the foundation He provides. It’s in His name I pray and stand. Amen.