"For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." Titus 1:7,8
In a sport once considered "clean", the growing popularity of trail and ultra-running (with its increasing athlete sponsorships and growing prize money) is now tempting athletes to break the rules and moral codes to win at all costs. So in an attempt to avoid any performance enhancing drug (PED) scandals, Salomon announced the launch of its Clean Sport and Athlete Transparency Initiative on March 22. Their Athlete Transparency Program will be one of the strictest and most transparent of any testing program to date with top athletes being randomly tested up to 10 times per year. Greg Vollet, Salomon’s Global Trail Running Sports and Community Marketing Manager said, “We are initiating this program to create a tool for athletes to prove their integrity; to show that they are clean and to continue to uphold the honor and values of the sport we all love.”
In other words, Salomon is calling their athletes to be "above reproach", or to compete in a way that leaves them immune to criticism. You know the Bible tells us that we, as Christians, are to live exemplary lives too-avoiding pride, being short-tempered, under the influence, violent or greedy. You see, overseers, or those serving in the church, were called to abstain from those behaviors to avoid disgracing the body of Christ or the name of Jesus in any way. And this call to be"above reproach" is the same for all believers today whether in the church or outside it.
In other words, Salomon is calling their athletes to be "above reproach", or to compete in a way that leaves them immune to criticism. You know the Bible tells us that we, as Christians, are to live exemplary lives too-avoiding pride, being short-tempered, under the influence, violent or greedy. You see, overseers, or those serving in the church, were called to abstain from those behaviors to avoid disgracing the body of Christ or the name of Jesus in any way. And this call to be"above reproach" is the same for all believers today whether in the church or outside it.
And while competing "above reproach" is important in upholding the honor of the sport we love, it is even more important living "above reproach" that we might uphold the honor of the One we truly love.... our savior Jesus Christ who most assuredly deserves all glory, honor and praise.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us exactly how we should live our lives that there might be no confusion. Help us to live lives of integrity that your name may never be shamed or scandalized. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Live it well - Switchfoot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ_UZMYp3mI
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