Yesterday, at Faith Community Church in Newhall, California, Pastor Steve Jackson delivered a sermon titled “The Anatomy of the Believer – Presenting Yourself as a Living Sacrifice” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN7rjPx30TM) The concept of being a living sacrifice seems paradoxical, yet it should resonate deeply with endurance athletes.
Any average, out-of-shape middle-aged adult with some background in football, basketball, or volleyball can join a pickup game and experience moments of success. There is no daily sacrifice necessary to be able to jump in and do a little something that makes one think, "Yep, I still got it!" However, put them—or even a former track star—into a 5k race, and the outcome is often far from glorious. It can be tough to watch, and if they finish at all, they'll likely look worse for wear.
Running isn't something you can just decide to do one day. It requires a disciplined regimen of willingly enduring discomfort to achieve any semblance of success. Perhaps this is why there are so many memes poking fun at running, shared by those who thoroughly avoid discomfort. It's unfortunate, as they're missing out on a profound experience that borders on spiritual.
Running demands daily sacrifices of personal desires to become more than one currently is. Personally, I don't know a single runner who relishes hill repeats, interval training, or other grueling workouts designed to push the body to its limits and beyond. We endure these challenges to elevate our proficiency in the sport.
This mirrors the sentiment of Romans 12:1, which encourages believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice." Why? To deepen our relationship with the God who gave everything for us and to attain a greater mastery in our faith journey.
So, I revisit the question I asked yesterday: Who really cares about running? The crucial aspect lies in the brain formation and mindset that running fosters. If running teaches you to deny your baser instincts to become a better person, then it serves a meaningful purpose. If it creates a habit of being “living sacrifice," instilling in you the self-control needed to resist mindless behaviors that lead to self-destruction, then it clearly has spiritual significance. It can actually draw you to your Creator, if you let it.
Endurance training, with its demand for perseverance and sacrifice, mirrors the biblical call to offer oneself wholly to a greater purpose. It challenges individuals to transcend their own comfort level, fostering not just physical strength but also a mindset of self-discipline and spiritual growth. Ultimately, whether on the track or in life, the lessons learned through running can profoundly shape character and deepen one's connection with faith and purpose.
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