Faith on the Frontstretch: Are you ready for random testing?

Photo by Beth Bence Reinke

“...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1b

The racing world is abuzz with talk of random drug testing. One big question people are asking is: Could a contaminated supplement cause a positive test result?

We know a food can be accidentally contaminated with an ingredient used to make a different product. You’ve probably read a label on a chocolate bar that states, “manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts.” So if the machines aren’t cleaned immaculately, a trace of nut could get into a supposedly “nut-free” batch of chocolate. And in a person with peanut allergies, that smidgen is enough to cause a full blown allergic reaction – which is sort of like a positive test result.

Candy and supplements aside, a bigger question relates to contamination in our lives. Think about what “random testing” of our lives might show. Maybe a tidbit of gossip shared with a friend? An immoral thought when an attractive coworker walks by? Mostly truth contaminated with a white lie or two?

Folks, we think of ourselves as decent people, but the truth is, we start “contaminating our sample” the moment we wake up each day. If any of our lives were subjected to a random test looking for impurities, we would test positive - every one of us, simply because human beings are imperfect.

But no worries, there is hope. Instead of being suspended indefinitely, you and I can be reinstated in good standing. That’s right; God gives us a way out!

One scripture verse says “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.” (Romans 8:1) That verse has a weird sound to it, but its meaning is pretty simple when we break it down. “There is no condemnation” means there’s no punishment. The last part, “in Christ,” describes anyone who believes in Jesus.

So it means God doesn’t punish anyone who believes Jesus died for his or her sins. Instead, He freely forgives.

When you believe in Jesus, every wrong thought, word or action can be forgiven. No matter how positive your sample tests for banned substances such as envy, greed, lust or any other sins, God can make it clean again. All you have to do is believe in Jesus as your Savior and ask God to forgive you.

Being forgiven feels amazing, like an overwhelming feeling of relief. Have you ever been speeding, and see flashing lights in your rearview mirror? Your heart starts to pound. You cringe at how much the citation is going to cost. Then to your amazement, the officer only gives you a warning, not a ticket!

That’s what being forgiven feels like, that breathe-all-your-air-out sense of peace and gratefulness. Your wrong-doing was overlooked and you were granted mercy.

The NASCAR rule book outlines a “zero tolerance” policy in drug testing, and with good reason. Any driver taking illegal substances could place pit crews, officials and fellow drivers in danger.

Likewise, the rotten stuff we do can hurt people, too. But thank goodness God is merciful. No matter what our shortcomings, all we have to do to be reinstated is ask for forgiveness.

If your name was called for random testing today, would you be ready with a clean sample? The only way to be sure is to acknowledge that Jesus died for your sins and ask Him to be your personal Savior.

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. ~ Acts 13:38 

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Want more racing devotions? When you donate $25 or more to Skirts and Scuffs, we’ll send you a complimentary copy of Beth’s book, Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a month-long, pocket-sized devotional book for female racing fans.

“Faith on the Frontstretch” appears every 1st & 3rd Wednesday and explores the role of faith in motorsports. Beth also writes “Gibbs Garage,” Sprint Cup race recaps for Joe Gibbs Racing teams. Comments or twitter follows welcome: @bbreinke. See you on the Frontstretch!