Food For Thought is a public theology & Bible advocacy blog for Eternity from Sophia Think Tank’s David Wilson, who gathers top Christian thinkers to take a closer look at how the Christian faith addresses matters in society at large every week. This week, Robert Martin from City Bible Forum:

Lance Armstrong is an enigma. What are we to make of him?

To many Lance Armstrong is a hero and an inspiration. He overcame serious testicular cancer to return to professional cycling. Armstrong’s record as a professional cyclist was outstanding. He won seven Tour de France titles and his achievements stood as the ultimate in overcoming adversity. Armstrong also established the Livestrong Foundation which aims to improve the lives of those affected by cancer, raising a staggering $500 million dollars. The yellow Livestrong wristband was a hugely popular symbol of the success of Armstrong’s cancer advocacy. Over 80 million wristbands were sold ns inspired many other charities to raise money and awareness. Armstrong was a phenomenal athlete, a selfless battler and an inspiration to many.

Yet, much of this view of Armstrong has been shattered in the past week as it has emerged through the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that Armstrong was implicated in one of the ” most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.” It appears from the report that Armstrong was not simply a participant in this doping program, but was one of the ringleaders. Armstrong has since been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and has been banned from cycling for life. It appears that Armstrong was determined to win at all costs: he cheated, deceived and disgraced himself and his team mates.

So what are we to make of Lance Armstong?

Great, selfless, inspiration, cancer battler? Or selfish, determined, athlete who wanted to win at all costs?

Many are now puzzled about how to view Armstrong. Some have reportedly removed the V from their wristbands so they their wristbands now read, ‘Lie Strong’. I read this comment by a reader on one online newspaper article last week:

Oh Lance! Why, oh why, did you fail us so? We were there with you, late at night, our dropped jaws cooling on the winter floorboards as we watched you, followed you, for so many years. We were dreaming to be you when that pimpled bike shop assistant sold us a $3000 USPS-coloured road bike. We took eggs and abuse from ute-driving tradies as we wore yellow jerseys and lycra over our shaved legs, because we wanted to be you. We accessorized and, over a soy cappuccino on a Saturday morning, compared the weights of our gizmos with our new peloton mates, so we could ride like you. We stopped drinking full-strength beer, so we could look like you. We wore yellow bracelets, not for cancer, but for you. You inspired us to be our best! Oh Lance, why did you have to get caught? You killed the dream. I’m going for a jog.

The Lance Armstrong story raises issues on leadership and inspiration. The biblical character Saul was in many ways an Armstrong like figure. He had many admirable traits; he was tall, strong and impressive. Yet Saul failed. He lacked wisdom, and was disobedient to God. The stories of Saul and of Lance Armstrong reveal that no matter how admirable or wonderful a human leader is, they are always fallible and imperfect. I think there is much to commend in Armstrong, but to idolise him, to want to be like him, is ultimately misguided. There is only one man who has never failed, whose character was flawless. Follow Jesus and you will never be disappointed. You might still enjoy riding your bike!

Robert Martin is Melbourne Director of City Bible Forum.

Featured image: Flickr/Richard Masoner