Why Do You Race?Намуна

Race with Purpose

For the past 8 days, we’ve explored our purpose for training and racing, focusing our attention on doing all things for God’s glory. Practically, this has included worshipping the Lord, encouraging other Christians to worship the Lord, and making disciples through our participation. To summarize, we have been focusing on things that will matter for eternity. You see, God is forever, as is His Word and people. Thus, to not have our efforts wasted, I invite you to think about eternity.

One of my favorite sayings after both a really good or really bad race is, “It won’t get brought up in Heaven.” Do I know that for sure… no. However, I’m confident that in the presence of an awesome holy God, my 5k PR is just not going to matter. Neither is your Kona race, your last podium finish, your recent bonk or DNF, how many centuries you’ve ridden, how many times you’ve beaten so and so, your USAT ranking, your Boston Marathon time, etc. I’m sorry to rain on your parade and all your efforts, but eternally speaking, it’s really not that important. Even here on earth, it’s a pretty small crowd that will remember your season from 2 years ago, even if it was extremely blessed. So, if that stuff is all so temporary, is training and racing worth the effort?

It can be when you’re racing with an eternal purpose to win an eternal crown! So, what matters eternally? God, His Word, and people! Are you glorifying God through training and racing? Are you obeying His Word through training and racing? Are you building up other disciples through training and racing? Will there be other endurance athletes, their families and friends, or others in this community in Heaven one day because you were participating with purpose; fulfilling God’s mission for you in the endurance world? If not, it’s time to reevaluate what you’re spending so many resources on (Day 2).

Many may need to refocus their priorities, and a few may even be called to give up endurance sports altogether so that they can faithfully respond to what the Lord is asking them to invest in. I invite each of you to spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to clarify your calling within endurance sports. Then, faithfully and courageously respond!

Reflections:
1. Have you ever considered what may or may not get brought up in Heaven?
2. How do you value eternal rewards versus earthly awards?
3. What changes do you need to make in order to race for an eternal purpose?

To get connected with a group athletes racing for an eternal purpose, please visit: http://fcaendurance.com/join