TriLife^®

“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 endurance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

The Triathlon-Life (TriLife^®) Metaphor takes this comparison to the next level, and Tri4Him^® helps individuals put it into action.

Applying the TriLife^® Metaphor to our lives requires us to adopt the characteristics of a triathlete’s lifestyle—one governed by deliberate willful intent and determination, personal growth and improvement, goal setting, discipline, accountability, balance, strength, stamina, and endurance. Also, we can employ many of the same strategies, habits, and techniques used for success in triathlon.

The thought of using triathlon as a metaphor for the Christian life is intriguing. The more you examine it, the more meaningful and useful the metaphor becomes. Just like a triathlete has to train and perform in the multiple disciplines of a triathlon (swim, bike, and run), we too are called to be obedient and faithful in the multiple areas of our lives (Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness). A triathlete cannot neglect a single part of the race and still be successful. Neither can we as Christians.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

As with almost any analogy, comparison, or metaphor, this one will break down if taken out of its intended context. For example, there are a couple of obvious differences between triathlon and our Christian walk such as we don’t compete with others and we don't have to earn a relationship with God—it’s completely free.

I'm confident that the TriLife^® Metaphor will give you a unique perspective, inspire and motivate you, and offer you many specific ideas, techniques, and strategies that will help you live a life that is rewarding and pleasing to Him. It has begun to do so for me.

“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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (NIV)

In the classic film Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God’s pleasure.”

Consider the gifts, talents, opportunities, and responsibilities God has given you. Will your utilization and management of those bring God pleasure? It won't happen by accident. It is the fervent prayer and desire of all of us at Tri4Him^® that the TriLife^® Metaphor and the Tri4Him^® organization will effectively serve to motivate and equip each of us to excel in maturing relationships with God through Jesus Christ.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Jeff Booher
Founder of Tri4Him^®