Why we Race

Why we Race

Is racing an activity consistent with God’s plan for Christian life?

The answer—“It depends!”

Money is not evil, but the love of money is the source of much evil. Similarly, competition is not bad, but the love of glory solely for your own vanity, recognition and advancement, at others’ expense, can be troublesome.

Some will recall the 1981 movie “Chariots of Fire”.  It is based on a true story about how a non-Christian athelete (Harold Abrahams) and a Christian athlete (Eric Liddell) both won gold medals in the 1924 Olympics. It is an interesting study of how two people can achieve the same glorious human prize with different motivations, reasons, and methods.

Liddell raced to bring honor to God and to give God pleasure by displaying God’s gifts.  Abrahams raced for pride, to prove himself better than others.

Rick Warren in his book the “Purpose-Driven Life” teaches that one of the main reasons for our existence is to please God. Another is to enjoy real fellowship with other men and women.

God has created us “in his image” and accordingly gives each one of us a strong drive and aspiration towards mastery. As God is the master of his creation—he gets pleasure when we display our own mastery over our creation/s. He has also given each of us unique and special gifts.  He gets pleasure when we use and display these gifts for the right purpose/s.

I think this quote from Eric Liddell sums it up.  “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

Remember, God made you for a purpose.  If God meant you to race, he also made you capable of being fast—displaying a mastery of machine and speed.  So when you race, race for the “right” reason and you will feel God’s pleasure. And, what’s the “right” reason?

Scripture gives the answer:  “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”  1 Corinthians 10:31 and “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39

Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone