"So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own." Luke 14:33
Less than a week ago, Nick Symmonds, who qualified for the 2015 World Championships team, refused to sign the USA Track & Field contract requiring him to wear only Nike-branded gear at all "official" times. The problem was, "official" is not defined and, in a letter he received previously from USATF, he was asked to pack ONLY Nike-branded underwear and outerwear for the trip. Symmonds, who is primarily sponsored by Brooks, took issue with that saying, "having to wear head-to-toe swoosh at all times made him a pretty sucky investment for Brooks."
In a world where loyalty takes a back seat to self promotion, it's inspiring to see an athlete stand up for what he knows to be right. In Matthew 19:27,29, Peter said, "We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” to which Jesus responded, "everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life."
Nick didn't "lose" the chance to compete by doing the right thing, he "gave" it up willingly. The bible tells us that everyone who is willing to give up ALL to follow Him will receive much more than what was lost as well as eternal life. Isn't that worth so much more than anything this world has to offer? I think so.
Heavenly Father, thank you for promising eternal life in the future if we will now be willing to forsake all we have to follow you. May we remember that ALL means everything we have, our gifts and talents and our possessions. May we be willing and ready to do all that you have asked of us, giving up everything we own to become your disciple. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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Give my life away - Sidewalk Prophets
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