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What a race!

7th October 2010 by Nigel MacDonald

I can hear the “boos” of guys [and perhaps some girls] as I tell you this, but I’m not much of a car fanatic. I can drive one but that’s about it. I can’t fix one – can’t even a change a tyre. My neighbour would say that I don’t even know how to wash one. On top of this, even though I love sport, I’m not all that interested in motorsport.

I know enough, however, to understand that the Bathurst 1000 is something pretty big in car racing. You could say it is the premier race on the Australian motorsport calendar. It is a race you want to be in and one that you desperately want to win.

I was at a Men’s Conference recently and right at the beginning of the day a clip was shown about the Bathurst 1000. For someone who isn’t that into motorsport, I was glued to the screen as I watched footage from the race and various drivers being interviewed about what the race meant to them. As I watched, God reminded me and focussed my attention on the race I am in as a Christ follower.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[Hebrews 12:1-2]

So, what are some similarities between the Bathurst 1000 and the race God has marked out for us? I think there are a few that can help us.

It is an important race

As I said, the Bathurst 1000 is a pretty big race. As the various drivers were being interviewed in the clip you could sense just how important this race was. It was important to them personally, to their career and to car racing in general. The race we run as Christians is of ultimate importance. When we are in the race it influences us personally, it influences our future and it influences our churches. One thing the drivers didn’t mention though was the influence the race has on the local community. It brings in millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses. In the same way, when we are running the race set by God, we have a positive and significant impact on our community and those around us.

It is a long race

The Bathurst 1000 is called that for a reason. 1000km of high energy and high impact racing. 161 laps of pure concentration. Over 6 hours of sweat in a confined space. In racing terms this is extreme. As Christians, we are called to run with endurance. A sprinter doesn’t need endurance, but a long distance runner does. Don’t treat Christianity as a 100m sprint. It is not a quick fix. It is not a short term deal. Be in it for the long haul. The race is one that lasts a lifetime and the rewards of being in the race are incredible. God sustains us. He strengthens us. He guides us. He equips us. He walks beside us.

It is a watched race

The Bathurst 1000 attracts over 180,000 people through the gates during the 4 day event and is screened to an international audience of well over 850 million viewers. Wow! In Australia, the Bathurst 1000 is in the same category as the Melbourne Cup in that the race “stops a nation”. Now, these races don’t actually stop a nation, but this tells us that they are events that a lot of people are watching. The race set before us as Christ followers is also watched. Whether we like it or not, people are watching how we act and listening to what we say. The way people “out there” see Jesus is through his followers. What do people see in you?

It is an exciting race

Many times the Bathurst 1000 has come down to the wire which makes for one exciting race, not to mention the "smash ups" that happen every now and then. Even for a person who doesn’t like motorsport, I find it exciting to watch. Well, the highlights anyway. Far too often I see people who say they follow Jesus leading miserable lives. Now, when you follow Jesus, this doesn’t give you a “get out of life free card”. Life is still life. But when Jesus is in your life he gives you strength to deal with what comes your way. And when Jesus is in your life it is a pretty exciting journey. Live in the excitement that only Jesus can give.

Young people, I encourage you to not only receive Jesus into your life, but live out your life walking in his ways, his power, his truths, his grace and the unique purpose he has for you ... even when no-one is looking.

Until next time.