“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:1b-2
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It’s hard to beat the month of March as a sports fan. Baseball is back in full swing, golf is on the horizon, and the NHL and NBA are barreling toward the end of the regular season. But there’s no mistaking the premier event of the month: March Madness.
These few weeks are filled with buzzer-beaters, upsets, the thrill of victory and the heartbreak of defeat. After that first weekend of games, you’ll almost certainly be talking with friends and coworkers about a player you hadn’t heard of before the tournament started.
But beyond the excitement and competition, there’s an opportunity for us to reflect on how this intense season mirrors our own Christian walk.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, the apostle Paul likens our faith journey to running a race. Just as basketball players endure grueling practices, fierce competition and unpredictable moments in each game, we also face challenges in our walk with God. But unlike a sport where the final outcome depends on points, we know that our race of faith is secured by Jesus Christ, who is both the ultimate example and the source of our strength. Our identity is not based on our performance or any outcome because both have been secured by Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection.
As you watch this year’s NCAA Tournament play out, here are some lessons from the competition you can apply to your faith walk:
Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
March Madness is filled with underdogs who, against all odds, make a run for the championship. These teams show us that perseverance, even when the odds are stacked against us, is key. Similarly, we are called to endure and keep pressing forward in our faith, knowing that God is with us, no matter how difficult the game may seem.
Focus on the Goal
In basketball, teams must keep their eyes on the prize — whether it’s the next basket or the national championship trophy. In our own spiritual lives, we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the “pioneer and perfecter” of our faith. He is the goal, and everything we face along the way is meant to strengthen our focus on Him. Let us not get distracted by the highs and lows of life, but rather stay centered on Christ.
Teamwork and Community
While individual performances can sometimes steal the spotlight during March Madness, the teams that succeed are those that work together. As Christians, we are part of a body, a team of believers. We cannot walk the journey of faith alone. We are called to support one another, encourage each other and celebrate victories together. Let the spirit of unity guide us through every challenge.
Faith Over Performance
March Madness often brings attention to the most skilled players, but as Christians, our value isn’t determined by our performance alone. Just as a basketball player’s worth goes beyond the points scored, our worth comes from being loved by God, not by how successful or perfect we are. Our identity in Christ remains unchanged, regardless of the ups and downs we experience.
— Cole Claybourn
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