The other day while at the box, I looked around at our class. I saw people who had just finished with Foundations classes, people who were still in their first year, and then the coaches who were teaching everyone at each stage of fitness. I began to think about the progressions people go through as a Crossfit athlete.
They look something like this:
Observer
You know about Crossfit. You’ve heard about it from that one guy at work. You’ve heard A LOT about it from that guy. Every post seems to have the hashtag, #PRattempt or #gainz. Everyone he talks to about his box could careless. Except you. You hate to admit it, but you are curious. You ask him about where he goes and what he has learned. He readily shares his journey to getting to be in the best shape of his life. He invites you out to a Saturday ‘partner WOD’. (whatever that is…) So you go. And you get bit by the bug. You see finally understand for yourself what this “Crossfit guy” was so psyched about. You are absolutely dying inside, but you oddly can’t wait to get to the next WOD. (don’t worry, you’re saying it right)
Participant
It’s official. You’ve taken the dive into to the Crossfit world! You take in every word that the coach utters. Then, you go Google all those crazy acronyms so you can know how many EMOMS you have to do in an AMRAP to make your PR. (you need to study up still) You find every possible blog, podcast, Instagram account, and anything else that even mentions the word Crossfit. You have to have every insight and perspective on training you can find. Every time you step into the box, you are gaining new knowledge and new strength in ways you had never thought possible for yourself. After months go by of your ‘baby gains’, you really feel a sense of getting a handle on this Crossfit thing. You start to be the ‘Crossfit guy’.
Teacher
This is a place I think a lot of people would like to get to. Often times, they let their own insecurities and fears keep them from this point. “I can’t RX all my work outs.” “I’m not that fit.” “I still can’t do such and such.” These are all limitations that no one but yourself is placing in your way. You’ve learned plenty! You need to share what you’ve learned with others who may not have the experience that you have. You may not have a Level 1 cert so you shouldn’t be running a class. But you have hours of time under great coaching, so get out there and help someone get to where you are!
You will find yourself plateauing at the Participant level unless you let yourself step into a new arena and begin sharing what you have gained from your experience.
How do these translate over to your experience with Christ?
Observer
You stand on the outside looking in. Curious about what life with Christ is like, but never quite taking the step to give your life over to Him. You dabble around a few churches. You talk that Christian guy who always prays before his lunch and rocks the WWJD bracelet still. (very 90’s)
But that is where you stop, curiosity. You aren’t quite sure what life on the other side is like. Until…
Participant
Then the day comes when you finally find yourself in Jesus! You are filled with an exhilarating energy for the gospel. You have to tell everyone you can about your new found faith in Jesus. You soak in every sermon you can. Your Kindle gets filled with devotionals and Christian living books. You download every Hillsong United album you can find. As you learn, your life becomes an outpouring of all God is showing you. You can’t help but share what you are learning in your walk with Christ.
Teacher
This is a place I think a lot of people would like to get to. Often times, they let their own insecurities and fears keep them from this point. “I only know John 3:16, and that isn’t perfect.” “I’m not that holy.” “I still can’t do such and such.” “I am still working on my sin”. These are all walls that no one but yourself is placing in your way. You’ve learned plenty! You don’t need to know it all either. You need to take what God has done in your life and share it with others who may not have the gift of grace that you do. You may not have a degree in theology, or you may not have the ability to teach a sermon. But you have a love for Jesus and a passion for people. That is all that is required to take someone under your wing, and disciple them.
If you find yourself stuck or feeling dry, then get moving. You may be a stagnant river where life cannot thrive around. Get that water moving and pour into another life. You will find yourself growing in ways that you didn’t expect because you stepped out in faith to give what has been given to you!
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