During a track race, runners remain in their own lane until crossing the finish line. If the runners cross their designated lane and begin running in the wrong one, their path diverts. They could stumble into another runner, get injured, gain time or even be disqualified. Runners must fix their eyes on what lies before them: a clear, specific path.

We are called to do the same with our relationship with Christ: stay on the path He has made for us.

As coaches and athletes, we should find a community of people to help us stay on our straight path.Being on this path means you are aligned with God’s Word and that you are safe in His protection. But just outside the boundaries of God’s path is another lane you should avoid. The moment you cross over, you are greeted with trouble, consequences and a path not intended for you.

So, how do we stay with both feet planted in God’s path?

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)

As athletes and coaches, we run a busy life full of workouts, games and practices, on top of our personal lives full of family, school and friends. With everything going on, sometimes we get sidetracked, the path gets a little fuzzy and we begin to drift into another lane.

We all drift at some point in our lives (Romans 3:23), but the good news is God knew we would stumble and made a way for us to be set right.

Out of His mercy and care, He did two things:

He Sent His Son to Forgive Us

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

God saw we were sinful, so in His great love, He acted. He sent us a Savior to take our place, even when we were disobediently over the lines, so that forgiveness would be the outcome, not punishment.

He Designed Accountability Partners

“Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble… A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12)

Just as the painted lines on a track help the runner stay on a clear path towards the finish line, we as coaches and athletes need to surround ourselves with people who will help us stay on a clear path towards Christ.

Life can consume us and we are often pulled in many directions. Without knowing it, we can begin to cross lines. This is why God shows us that accountability is crucial! Finding people who help us stay grounded as we run our race will help us stay the course.

Since we all stumble, fall short and get out of our lane, accountability partners are there to lovingly tell us that we are beginning to veer off course. They help us see what sometimes we cannot even see, hold us to the standards Christ has for us and help keep us in our God-intended lane.

As coaches and athletes, we should find a community of people to help us stay on our straight path. We personally must also hold our team, family and friends accountable as they run beside us.

Imagine how beautiful the race of life would be if we all joined together to encourage and bring out God’s best in who we’re called to be.

One way to get in God’s Word is to have it delivered straight to your inbox with FCA’s Daily Impact Play, a lineup of devotionals by coaches, athletes, staff and volunteers that share how to live out God’s Word in our lives.

Want to learn more about accountability to Reach for Truth? Head to FCA in Action and read our March Pursue articles:

Anchor Article: Accountable: Reach for Truth

About the Author:

Arbor Diggs is an Area Representative for Knoxville FCA in Tennessee. She works with high school female student athletes and coaches in her area. She mentors, disciples, leads Huddles and manages the social media and all graphic designs for her area. From age 3-21 she trained in ballet, eventually leading her to become a soloist ballet dancer for her company. Her husband Adam is also on staff with FCA. Coffee and warm weather makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world.

Connect with her at aphillips@fca.org and get involved with her ministry and support Greater Knoxville FCA HERE. 

-FCA-

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