February 2026 Conquer Corner - Ownership

Ownership is the essence of leadership.

At MTN OPS, we believe that ownership is not a title or a position. It is a choice. We take full and personal responsibility for our actions and outcomes, especially those that affect our customers. At the end of the day, each of us must take responsibility for the outcomes we desire in life. As William Ernest Henley wrote, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” We challenge you to own the day and the choices that direct you to conquer more in life.

As I have been studying the Old Testament recently, I have been struck by how early the principle of ownership appears in scripture. One of the very first stories recorded, the story of two brothers, teaches this principle with great clarity.

Ownership is at the Door

In Genesis chapter 5, we read the story of Cain and Abel.

Both brothers bring an offering to God. Abel brings the firstlings of his flock, his best. Cain also brings an offering, but something is different. God accepts Abel’s offering and does not accept Cain’s. Before anything tragic happens, God speaks directly to Cain and offers him an opportunity to course correct. He invites Cain to look inward, to take responsibility, and to choose differently.

Sin, God explains, is at the door. Cain still owns the moment.

Instead of asking what he could do better, Cain allows resentment to take root. Instead of owning his offering, he compares. Instead of repenting, he grows angry. The result is devastating.

When God later asks Cain where his brother is, Cain responds with one of the most referenced questions in all of scripture:

 “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

That question is the refusal of ownership.

Am I My Brother’s Keeper

One of the great commandments is to love our neighbor. That love includes watching over, caring for, and taking responsibility for one another. In families, in leadership, and in business, ownership means understanding that our actions impact others.

Ownership says, "Yes, I am my brother’s keeper."
Ownership says my choices matter beyond myself.

In leadership, this means owning the culture you create.
In business, it means owning the experience your customers have.
In a family, it means owning the example you set and the care you give.

Cain’s story shows us that refusing ownership does not keep us neutral. It moves us backward.

Owning the Offering

There is another powerful layer to this story.

Abel owned his offering. He brought his best. Cain brought something, but his heart and attention were elsewhere. The issue was not simply what was given, but how it was given.

This presents an honest question for each of us:

What offering are we bringing in this season of life, and is it our best, our firstlings?

If you are in a Conquer 90, are you offering your very best physically, spiritually, mentally, and socially? Where is your heart? Where is your attention? Those answers reveal how fully we are owning the moments and opportunities placed before us.

Ownership is not perfection. It is intention. It is alignment. It is bringing our best with humility and purpose. The destination is not determined by perfection; it is determined by direction. 

The Power to Course Correct

One of the most hopeful truths in this story is that Cain was warned before he fell. Choice always precedes consequence.

The same is true for us.

If we have not lived up to what we know we should be, we can always course correct. We can do better today than we did yesterday. We can own that choice.

Ownership means taking responsibility for the past without being trapped by it. This is so important to remember, and it means choosing growth over excuses. It means recognizing that every day presents another opportunity to lead better, love better, and offer better.

Owning Each Day

Ownership is not about controlling everything. It is often about stewardship. It is about recognizing God and that He has trusted us with time, influence, relationships, and opportunity.

We challenge you this month to own each day and the choices that come with it. Own your offering. Own your responsibility to those around you.

When we do, we position ourselves to truly conquer more.


Conquer Question:

What is one area of your life where God is inviting you to take greater ownership today, and what specific choice can you make to offer my best right now?