About the Sport Principle
In order to be able to physically make it to the end of a 26.2mile marathon, the skill of saving energy during the early part of the race must be mastered.
Feelings are faster and more efficient than intellect – a good marathon runner is able to manage a simply unimaginable number of factors in a split second. He is able to perceive a significant amount of information through observing his fellow competitors. He senses his opponent’s fears, hesitations and temporary weaknesses, as well as any regained determination. In the trained athlete, this information overrides the intellect and the runner is able to respond without thinking.
Rest time is another key factor in this discussion. It is far better to use intelligence early on and ‘sit back’ rather than receive the temporary glory of enjoying a spell at the front. This way the athlete conserves maximum energy for later. The further into the marathon the competitors get, the more exhaustion plays a part. Rest is crucial in the lead-up to the marathon too. The best marathon runners ensure that they avoid all distractions in the lead-up to their event. Elite athletes ensure they are at their best on race day. And not every day is race day.
Application to Life
This week the metaphor is simply this: Life is a lot more like a marathon than a sprint. We must find ways to pace ourselves and finish strong. As men of God, we need to live full and die empty: in other words, we need to get to the end of our lives having poured ourselves out for the benefit of those around us, but unlike Elisha who died with unused power locked up in his bones, (read the fascinating story for yourself in 2 Kings 13, especially verses 20 and 21.) we must make sure we are empty when we die. In order to achieve this, we must realise that some days are more important than others, and we must learn how to select our battles.
There is a great example to us in the first six verses of 1 Samuel 23 where David is told by the Lord to attack the Philistines and save Keilah. David’s godly men that he has around him advise him against this plan because they are afraid. David listens to them and then goes back to God who hasn’t changed His mind. So David and his men attack the Philistines and save the City. We too must listen to the voice of God in our lives as He tells us which battles are worth fighting and which are not. Like David, it’s crucial for us to be surrounded by godly men who can give us wise counsel and through whom we can discern the voice of God when we are uncertain. These men of God are helpful, but they are no replacement for God Himself, and having heard from those whom God has placed into our lives to be a voice of reason and clarity, we must ultimately go back to God, as David did, and act on His instructions. That way, not only do we ensure we don’t get involved in needless battles, but that we are victorious in those that we do fight. Obedience to God is the simplest way to finish the marathon of life well.
“Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.’” 1 Samuel 23:4
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