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By Rev Don Rivers
There are many things in life that we enjoy doing, some more than others. But what is it about certain activities that make them so desirable to us that we are willing to give up other things to do them? What is it that you want to do more than anything else? Are you ready to go all in? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing is something not everyone understands. Racers, true racers, will sacrifice almost anything to race. Some will sacrifice everything. Sleep, food and hygiene are a few of the things that come to mind. Oh, and that money thing, you have heard it said, to make a small fortune in racing you need to start with a big one.
Racing doesn’t corner the market on sacrifice but for racers it is one we understand. What is it that would drive us so much that we would drive all night, race, and then drive all night to get back home or to the next track? Or sleep twelve people in a room for four. Or head out on Wednesday morning and race, repair, race, repair, race, repair for several nights in a row without regard for even the day of the week. Where am I? Stafford, it must be Friday.
We lose sight of the day and time, we are here to race and when this one is done we pack up and head to the next one. Do you know why the family that races together stays together? If they don’t they won’t see each other.
I always think of the Bouley family when I think of families that sacrifice to race. One story I remember well. We headed out to breakfast Saturday morning near the track, about 6:30, who did we meet coming in? The Bouley dually, after an all-night ride just to race. I watched as they made the best of what they had. George, Bev, Kim and Scott would give and have given everything to put Team 26 racing in the field.
Scott qualified in Twenty-sixth spot, the same as his number. George just shook his head in disbelief and wondered aloud how well Scott could do if he had a new motor and some decent equipment. Then a smile comes to a proud father’s face as he shares in his son’s accomplishment despite the odds and a 9:1 tired power plant. The Bouley’s had heart and no one can say anything different. They gave everything they had and some things they didn’t have to race, to compete. George and Bev have gone home now, but it is always a fond memory when I think of them.
What about us, is our heart in it? Maybe not racing but I am sure there is something in your life that you are passionate about. Something that will move you to sacrifice? Something that makes you willing to put everything aside and pursue? What is your all in endeavor?
For me, serving God falls into that category. God desires that our service to Him be all in. God desires that we would want to demonstrate His love for others more than anything we do in our lives. He tells us in his Word that unless our mind and our heart is in it we miss the relationship that will save us. A passage from God’s Word comes to mind:
Matthew 22:37-40; NLT; Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
But the challenge remains, to be all in you have to begin somewhere. We have to decide to follow Jesus. To do that we must remember the words of Jesus;
Mark 1:15; NLT; “The time promised by God has come at last!” (Jesus) announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
The writer of Romans adds…
Romans 10:8b-10,13, … that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved… “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Two components are necessary to know God; it must be in your heart and you must say it with your mouth. We say a lot of things with our mouths that we don’t believe in our heart. It is pretty easy to spot someone who is doing something that their heart isn’t in. As servants of God that should never be the case. In fact, if our heart isn’t in it we are not saved.
We receive a twofold blessing. The first part of that blessing is the fact that we are saved. The next part comes in how we treat others. We are given the opportunity to participate in their lives. Not just participate but the opportunity to help them find the abundant life that God offers. The writer explains;
Romans 12:9-18; NLT; Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
When we say it and believe in our heart then we are all in. If our heart isn’t in it not only do we lose but others lose also. We have a great responsibility to not only confess the name of our Lord but to believe it in our heart, then others will see it in our actions. Our lives are not the only ones who depend on it. Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news!
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
