We had our Senior School Cross Country last Monday, and it was a fantastic day. I’ll be honest, running isn’t really my thing. But Tug‑of‑War? I absolutely love it. I love hearing students shout encouragements until their voices crack. I love watching them fall into rhythm, digging their heels in at the exact same moment. And I especially love those determined faces - the ones that say, “I want to give up… but I won’t.”
By the end, they’re covered in dirt and sweat; some walk away with blisters, all walk away with the satisfaction of having competed together.
And believe it or not, Tug‑of‑War always reminds me of what it’s like to follow Jesus.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.
- Philippians 1:27–28
Paul’s words capture the Tug‑of‑War image perfectly. Being Christian means staying planted when pressure pulls us away from Jesus. And that phrase “striving side by side” literally uses an athletic term meaning “compete together.” It’s the picture of teammates pulling in the same direction.
In our world, ideas, trends, and expectations tug hard on our hearts and minds. When we stand alone, the pull can feel too strong. We can lose footing, compromise, or just grow tired. But when we stand together, side by side, something changes. We become steadier. Stronger. More resilient.
So what does “striving side by side” look like?
- - Mental support: having real, honest conversations about challenging ideas that test our faith.
- - Emotional support: stepping in when you see someone flagging or discouraged.
- - Physical support: carrying extra weight for someone when they need time to recover.
Don’t try to do your faith alone. Find your people, the ones who will dig their heels in with you. Stand firm together. Strain together. Hold the rope together.
Not for a medal. Not for applause. But for eternal life, not for ourselves, since we already have that in Christ, but for the sake of those watching you live a life worthy of the gospel.
