Lance Armstrong from a Christian Perspective

In my young boys' mind I grew up thinking good athletes were successful because they were naturally good, flawless people. In turn,  I thought less of players who rarely came off the bench because if they were inferior athletes, they must have been inferior people -- with less of a desire to work hard or the willingness to make the necessary sacrifices to be successful. It's why in my youth I took it so hard when I didn't achieve athletically the way I aspired to. As I grew older that kind of thinking evaporated, but the very essence of the idea that moral people accomplish great things has always remained in my romanticized view of sports.

So when Lance Armstrong's interview finally aired and I was able to digest the meaning of yet another sports hero brought down by scandal, my reaction went from one of sadness and disappointment, to one of hope and joy.

I'm not used to writing about sports from a Christian perspective, but I couldn't help but think of the many ways that Armstrong's story parallels so many of the characters in the Bible who distance themselves from God. 

Lance Armstrong made history on his own. But at what price?

By his own account, Armstrong did things his way. His use of performance-enhancing drugs led him to seven consecutive Tour de France titles, a fortune, worldwide celebrity, and becoming an icon as a survivor and philanthropist in the fight against cancer. He became what so many of us can only dream of, and then some. Armstrong did pretty well on his own. He elicited pride from cancer survivors, Americans, war veterans, and sports fans spanning the globe. But his empire was built on the idea of himself. As he would say in the interview with Oprah, "I was used to controlling everything in my life. I controlled every outcome in my life." 

Therein lies Armstrong's mistake -- we are not in control of our lives. God is in control, and when we do not acknowledge the presence of God in our life, the fall is devastating and damning.

In his interview Armstrong revealed that he was "deeply flawed," a "bully," and described himself as full of "arrogance." None of this is surprising, in fact, as we sit in front of our computers and televisions and admonish a human who is by nature flawed and sinful, can't we look at ourselves and say the same thing?

For me to turn Armstrong into a pariah so that I can categorize him in my mind as another wrongdoer in a world that is full of wrongdoing, would simply turn me into an even bigger hypocrite than I already am. Who am I to judge this man for all his shortcomings, when I am just as guilty of being a flawed creature who strays from God's word on a daily basis? 

I hope Armstrong makes amends with those he has hurt. With an open heart, that he make amends and recognize that not only has he been a flawed person, but that he will forever be flawed, and the only way for any kind of change is to begin a conversation with God. As much as he thought he was in control, Armstrong never was and never will be. The events leading up to his admission of PED use and last night's interview is a testament to his lack of control.  

I would also pray that our society be quick to forgive, and that as much as we are guilty of building up our celebrities, that we disassociate ourselves from idol worship. Placing our beliefs and hopes in fellow humans only leads to disillusionment, lies, and a void where God should have been all along. 

When I read Psalm 4:1-4 I can only think of how Armstrong for so long lied to everyone, and how the people he has affected are now quick to condemn and slow to forgive. Yet, within the same passage is a hope of redemption for Armstrong -- in prayer. 

"Answer me when I call, O God who declares me innocent. Take away my distress. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 

How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make these groundless accusations? How long will you pursue lies? 

You can be sure of this: The Lord has set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call him. 

Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. Think about it overnight and remain silent."