Some Goals of TCS Track & Field

The New Testament often uses athletic imagery in order to teach basic lessons concerning the nature of the Christian life. The usage of athletic terminology and athletic imagery to teach such lessons shows that there are beneficial character qualities which can be cultivated by athletic training and competition. In the Bible, and especially in the writings of the apostle Paul, there are at least eight areas of character traits essential for the Christian life that are identified with the usage of athletic imagery.

Our goal is to teach those character traits that will serve these students well the rest of their lives. We seek to teach the importance of hard work, discipline, submission to authority, self control, courage, endurance, focus upon the goal, and teamwork. In a world that accepts mediocrity, we seek to teach excellence.

Track is not a sport for spectators who want to be on a team but don’t want to work. It is rather a sport that encourages and rewards hard work. Those who have trained hard for our team have done very well, and the lessons to be taken from this can be applied to everything else they do in life. Do they want to do well in college or at their eventual workplace? They have learned that success comes to those who diligently apply themselves to their tasks. Furthermore, if God is pleased to work in their hearts, the character traits learned will serve them well in their walk before God.

More about this in the post that follows on New Testament Athletic Imagery and the Christian Life.