It does seem that many fans get into a fever-pitch when it comes to their favorite NASCAR team. My neighbor’s dog is named “E”. When I asked her the significance of the name, she seemed incredulous that I didn’t know that “E” was named after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. I must confess that I favor drag-racing, which finishes in seconds, rather than NASCAR that takes hours of endurance to finish.

I see a powerful correlation between NASCAR and the race of life to win the prize of eternal life. Let’s consider some of the lesson’s from the world of NASCAR.

First – A TEAM EFFORT IS REQUIRED. To win a NASCAR race a team must work together. No driver could ever win by himself. In the race of life we need the help and encouragement of others. Jesus instituted the church, His body made up of many parts, to fulfill this function. (Romans 12)

Second – A TOUGH ENDURANCE is required to get the checkered flag. NASCAR is a grueling dangerous race. The race of life will be wrought with difficulties, but don’t give up. Just as a driver relies on his pit crew and keeps his car maintained and fueled, so must we, spiritually in the race of life, keep regularly maintained and filled with the Spirit. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

Third – A TREASURE of unique and colorful giftings is yours. Just as each NASCAR vehicle is a different color, model, and number so you are a special treasure in the making for God. The checkered flag and its rewards await you.

Fourth – A TEST is required to qualify for the race. Neither my old pick-up nor just any street car could ever qualify for a NASCAR race. A NASCAR racer must pass the time trials and meet certain other qualifications. There is only one way to qualify for the race of eternal life. Jesus has already qualified us. We must join His team by receiving Him by faith. (John 14:6) “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14 NASB).

Fifth – THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSANDS will get the checkered flag. In a NASCAR race only one gets the checkered flag of victory. In the race of eternal life, everyone who crosses the finish line gets the checkered flag of victory. (Revelation 5:11; 19:6-9) The checkered flag is waving. Can you join with the Apostle Paul? “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (II Timothy 4:7 NASB). The checkered flag is waving. Don’t give up. You can’t have a testimony without the test.

Have you joined the Jesus team? “For as many as received Him gave He power to become sons of God, even as many as believed on His name” (John 1:12).