It’s Not About Nike
I have been traveling throughout India these past two weeks and today the Lord reminded me of a verse. Romans 10:15 says, “ And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ In Asia, your shoes are taken off before you enter into a place of worship.
So I was traveling village to village, meeting with native missionaries and sharing God’s Word, I had my shoes off more than on. Each church was a place of sacred worship and the people acknowledged this by removing their shoes. This is indeed a true picture of awe and reverence for the Lord.
As we made our way back to the city, I thought about my kids in the States and reminisced about our time together during Christmas. All of a sudden, the Nike symbol flashed before my eyes. I personally have no Nikes, but my daughter has a few. Why would Nike all of a sudden come into my mind after having a glorious experience with God’s people in India? Was there a connection? Indeed…there was. God then brought Romans 10:15 to mind – “how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” The lightbulb came on. “Of course,” I said out loud, “It’s not about Nike.” Nike may well be the most famous shoe in the world. The number one shoe brand and symbol everyone can identify. And yet Nike has no good news to share with people. If you think about it, their shoes cost a tremendous amount, are way overpriced for what they are actually made of, and eventually will wear out over time. Nike is a money pit more than anything.
Now consider the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is free. The gospel gives you an eternal reward which cost you nothing. The gospel will never wear out over time. So remember this, the gospel is what saves, it restores, and it will endure forever!
Because of the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross, anyone who receives salvation has eternal security in heaven. Next time you see the Nike symbol, or wear those Nike shoes, think about how those shoes are nothing in the sight of God. He wants you to wear better shoes each day – shoes that prepare you to share the love of Jesus with someone today. It’s not about Nike. It’s all about the cross!