Winning Race Teams - October 7, 2009

Everybody loves to WIN! No matter what sport, everybody loves to win and hates to lose. And that is certainly true in NASCAR racing. For this series we will be looking at what makes a Christian home a winning household. Winning Race Teams: Households that live out the message, power and glory of God to their neighborhood, community and the world. Along the way we will hear from Nascar driver Kyle Petty and what God has taught him and his family.

LESSONS FROM NASCAR RACE TEAMS:

1. No One Wins Alone - For every victor who crosses the finish line there is a host of others who make it happen. From the owner to the pit crew, everyone has an important role to play. In the Disney movie "Cars," Lighting McQueen learned the hard way that he did need others to truly succeed. God has designed the family to accomplish His purposes in the world, and it takes each working together.

2. Everyone Knows Their Role - Each on the Race Team must do their unique role to make it all work together to win the race. The family is also made by God to have roles. As each learns and lives out their role they can work together to be a winning family.

3. Clear on What is a WIN - What is the ultimate goal for racing? Winning the race, crossing the line! For the Christian household, we have the same goal as that of the Apostle Paul: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24

4. Work Together to Win - It involves more than just great individuals on the team. It requires that they learn how to work together in harmony. The family must value each member and value what they can do together.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

5. Hi-performance Systems - From the car itself, maintenance, performance, pit crews, management, promotions, etc., knowing how to design it and make it operate at the highest level is required. God has given us disciplines as believers to make sure we stay on track to Christlikeness and bringing Him glory. As a family, we have to see what are we intentionally doing together and as individuals to see this happen.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

6. Avoid Crashes & Pitfalls - Races rarely go off without a hitch. There seems to be the inevitable crash, yellow flag, spills and spin outs. The family is under attack from all sides and needs to be ready for trials and temptations to get off track.
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. Galatians 5:7

7. Finish Well - At the end of the day, what counts in racing is how you finished. Paul could say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 We want to hear as families: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:23

Begin your plans now to be involved with the Soap Box Derby Race Night for Family FX on November 18. See the attached document at our Family FX page for complete instructions: http://icelebrationmembers.org/children.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=10362