When asked about the secret to athletic achievement, Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas gave a surprising answer – practice is only part of what leads to Olympic level success. The sprinter shared that becoming an Olympic athlete requires living in a way that promotes athletic success off the track just as much as on. From your sleep schedule to the clothes you wear to the media you consume, Thomas stressed that it all matters when training for a big race.

For an Olympic athlete, training isn’t confined to the gym, but instead is integrated into all areas of life. This all-encompassing integration is the same that is required of us to take seriously the words of Hebrews 12:2. The invitation to fix our eyes on Jesus is not an easy one in our heavily compartmentalized society. For most of us, our life is lived in separate spheres – work and school happen somewhere other than home, where our daily lives are lived, play and relaxation is something we do on the weekends or while on vacation, and spirituality has followed suite, becoming something we do when we go to church on Sundays. We concern ourselves with finding balance between the areas rather than with integrating all areas of our life into our singular purpose.

Before we can begin running the race that has been set before us with endurance and perseverance, we must set our intention. Only then can we charge forward, eyes fixed on Jesus, toward the finish line.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Questions for Reflection:

• If someone were to observe your life (time, money, energy) what finish line would they say you are running towards?

• In what ways have you compartmentalized your life?

• How might you begin to integrate your life – living as a whole person of faith in every area?

• What simple tools could you use to evaluate the end that you are living for (calendar, checkbook, social media, etc)?