What Makes a Man a Champion?

What does it take to become a champion? Not just a fleeting victor in the eyes of the world, but a man of enduring purpose, forged by the hand of God? The Bible offers a blueprint for this journey, and at its heart is a Hebrew word that unveils the essence of authentic manhood: Iysh. This term, often translated simply as “man,” carries a depth that resonates with the passions God has planted within us. An Iysh is not a mere male figure—he is a husband, a warrior, a leader, a man distinguished by his character and calling. An Iysh is a masculine male, as opposed to a woman, not in opposition, but in contrast. In the making of a champion, God calls the Iysh to rise, to embrace his divine design, and to pursue a life of eternal significance.

As the founder of FivestarMan, I’ve spent decades exploring what it means to live as an authentic man. Scripture reveals that God placed within every Iysh a deep reservoir of purpose, a wellspring of five passions: an adventurous spirit, an entrepreneurial drive, gallant relationships, a faithful character, and a philanthropic cause. These passions are not optional extras—they are the DNA of a champion. The making of a champion is the process of aligning these God-given drives with His eternal plan, transforming an ordinary man into an Iysh of extraordinary impact.

The journey begins with the bedrock of a champion—faithful character. Proverbs 20:6 asks, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” The Hebrew Iysh here implies a man of integrity, one who stands firm when the winds of temptation blow. Consider David, a shepherd boy turned king. Before he faced Goliath, he was faithful in the unseen places—tending sheep, guarding them from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). That faithfulness in the mundane prepared him for the monumental.

A FivestarMan knows that character is not built in the spotlight but in the shadows. It’s the daily choice to honor God, to keep your word, to stand for what’s right. The Iysh who cultivates faithfulness becomes a champion not because he seeks glory, but because he reflects God’s glory.

Champions don’t shrink from the fight—they run toward it. The Iysh is a warrior at heart, wired with an adventurous spirit that dares to step into the unknown. Joshua embodies this. In Joshua 1:9, God commands him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua’s courage wasn’t reckless—it was rooted in God’s presence. As an Iysh, he led Israel into the Promised Land, conquering giants because he trusted the Giant-Slayer.

The FivestarMan’s adventurous spirit isn’t about thrill-seeking for its own sake. It’s about saying yes to God’s call, even when the path is uncharted. Whether starting a business, confronting injustice, or stepping into leadership, the champion embraces risk for righteousness.

God created the Iysh to build, to create, to steward His world with an entrepreneurial drive. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” The Iysh was tasked with cultivating abundance from the earth—a mandate that echoes through every champion. Nehemiah is a prime example. He saw Jerusalem’s broken walls and didn’t despair—he envisioned restoration. With grit and ingenuity, he rallied a people and rebuilt a city (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

In FivestarMan terms, this entrepreneurial drive is God’s currency flowing through you. It’s not about chasing wealth, but about unlocking purpose. The champion sees problems as opportunities, turning chaos into order, and his labor into legacy.

The Champion’s Heart: Gallant Relationships

No, Iysh becomes a champion alone. The Hebrew word hints at a man defined by his bonds—husband, father, friend. A champion protects and elevates those around him. Look at Jonathan, whose gallant love for David defied his father Saul’s jealousy. 1 Samuel 18:1 says, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” That loyalty shaped David into the king he became.

For the FivestarMan, gallant relationships mean fighting for your family, mentoring the next generation, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brothers in faith. A champion’s strength is multiplied by the lives he lifts.

The Champion’s Purpose: A Philanthropic Cause

Finally, the Iysh is called to a cause bigger than himself. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God “has put eternity into man’s heart.” The champion’s philanthropic passion drives him to leave a mark on eternity. Think of Joseph, who rose from slavery to save nations (Genesis 45:7). His life wasn’t about personal gain—it was about God’s redemptive plan.

The FivestarMan lives for impact. Whether feeding the hungry, defending the weak, or sharing the Gospel, the champion pours out his life for others. This is the ultimate mark of an Iysh—a man who mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love.

The Refining Fire: Trials That Forge a Champion

No champion emerges without testing. James 1:2-4 promises, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” The Iysh isn’t exempt from struggle—he’s shaped by it. Job lost everything, yet declared, “When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10). The fire purifies, revealing the champion within.

In FivestarMan, we call this the crucible of conquest. Your adventurous spirit is tempered by adversity, your entrepreneurial drive honed by setbacks, your relationships deepened by forgiveness. The Iysh who endures becomes a champion not despite the trials, but because of them.

The Eternal Crown: A Champion’s Reward

Scripture promises that the Iysh who runs the race well receives an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25). This isn’t a trophy for the mantel—it’s the affirmation of a life lived for God’s glory. Paul, the ultimate champion, wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). His legacy wasn’t in earthly accolades, but in eternal impact.

The FivestarMan doesn’t settle for fleeting applause. The Iysh pursues the five passions with eternity in view, knowing that God Himself is the prize. The making of a champion is a lifelong pursuit, but it’s one that echoes beyond time.

Action Steps: Take the 45-Day Challenge

The Iysh within you is stirring. Will you answer the call to become a champion? At FivestarMan.com, we’ve crafted a 45-Day Challenge to awaken your five passions and align them with God’s purpose. Here’s how to start:

1. Visit FivestarMan.com – Sign up for the free 45-Day Challenge.
2. Get the Resources – Receive the FivestarMan book and daily coaching to guide your journey.
3. Commit Daily – For 45 days, engage with the adventurous, entrepreneurial, gallant, faithful, and philanthropic steps laid out for you.
4. Join the Circle of Champions at FivestarMan.com – Connect with other men pursuing authentic manhood.

The making of a champion begins with a single step. Take the challenge today at FivestarMan.com, and let God forge the Iysh He created you to be—a man of purpose, a FivestarMan, a champion for His glory.