FCA Endurance: Becoming IronFitSample

Train with the Right Priorities

Ready:

“You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.” Exodus 20:3-5

Set:

Some endurance athletes become obsessed with their sport. It can start as a hobby and over time become the top priority. Soon, athletes are spending more time and energy on their sport than anything else.

Because we are encouraged to stay fit and healthy, most don’t consider a passion for sport idolatrous. Spiritually speaking, an idol is anything that diverts us from our devotion to God. If we let it, our sport can become a god and rule over us. Instead of tithing, we buy a new bike or go on a long run instead of going to church. As believers, we must assess the impact of our sport in our spiritual lives and put the priority back on God.

Paul was a committed disciple in the early days of the church. He spoke boldly and challenged others to be aware of idols, false worship, and their potential destructiveness. As Christians, we are called to live a victorious, joyful, and purposeful life in the midst of an idolatrous society. By demonstrating our faith through our love and commitment to serving God and others, we should be identified as Christians first.

God gave us our abilities and passion for endurance sports. When focusing on God while training and competing, we are worshiping and glorifying Him. The example we set will help us to bring others to Him.

Go:

1. Is there anything that's diverting our devotion from God?

2. How can you put God first?

Workout:

Colossians 3:5

Isaiah 44:9-11

Matthew 6:21

Overtime:

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”