Emotions and Perseverance

When men compete, there is always the potential for conflict. Usually, the conflict is based on emotions; fear or the desire to dominate and intimidate. I believe the spiritual danger caused by these emotions is far greater than any physical danger coming from driving fast. In previous messages, I indicate that the godly purpose of racing competition is the display of God-given ability, skills and mastery, along with the display of evidence of superb preparation. Unfortunately, big egos can divert our attention from the godly purpose to the worldly purpose.

Sooner or later, no matter how loving and “professional” your behavior on the track, you will be confronted with someone who will attempt to create conflict by accusing you of some “wrongdoing”. You were “in his way” or you “passed improperly” or “took the wrong line”. Invariably, you will be accused of being either stupid, incompetent or crazy and usually the confronter will justify his behavior by labeling you as “dangerous”. If you are new and unfamiliar to the group you are racing with, the probability of this happening to you goes up dramatically. What is a good Christian to do? How should you deal with this angry, always emotional tantrum?

First, remember the Commandment from our Lord and Savior: Love each other as Christ loves you. John 15:12. Second, remember Proverbs 15: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. If the worldly goal of the confronter was to intimidate and dominate, a gentle answer will send the clear signal that you as a follower of Christ, cannot be intimidated. In many cases, the confronter is being driven by fear; fear of being surpassed or fear of being unable to predict your actions. If fear is driving the confronter, empathy for his state and a display of Christian Love is called for. Whatever is driving the confronter, the appropriate response is always a “gentle answer”. He may not ever become your friend, but he will wonder about where your strength comes from. You will have fulfilled your assignment of being “light” in the darkness.

James 1 covers this issue: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1 also covers other “challenges” all too familiar to racing participants. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The foregoing pretty much sums up my 4/21-22 weekend at Summit Point—the first weekend there as both a participant (FV) and as Chaplain. (The last time at Summit Point for me was when I finished 7th in my first pro Trans Am race there in 1985.) I was confronted by a gentleman who complimented my car, calling it a “rocketship” and angrily scolded me for not “staying behind him” for 8 laps of practice/qualifying so I could “learn the track” by following him. (I passed him once and later followed him for 7 laps after he and his drafting buddy performed a dangerous dive-bomb pass at the end of the straight. I was faster than him on the straights and several corners, but slower in four of the ten corners of the course.) My response to him was “gentle” and calm. Later on Saturday, the clouds opened up with a downpour and the entire FV grid was given 15 minutes to change to rain tires. It took me 16 minutes, so I arrived to an empty grid, with everyone having already departed—I then raced to catch them before the green flag, seeing pretty much nothing other than big rooster tail clouds during the shortened race. I finished third—drenched and shivering from cold. Heavy rain continued on Sunday and attendance at our first Chapel was disappointing. But, happy to say, the “trials and tests” did not produce any level of discouragement. I will persevere and return to Summit Point two weeks hence in May.

Blessings,

Chaplain Wayne Strout