A few weeks ago nearly 3,000 of the
world’s greatest athletes descended on Beijing for two weeks to do what they do
best. Their goal wasn’t to just qualify for the
Olympics. They came to win. And let’s be honest, anything
less than a medal is a disappointment. No one remembers the person
that came in fourth. In fact, it hardly seems fair that just a
couple inches or a tenth of a point can separate the best in the world
from, “Who?”
As we watched to see who
could do the most flips in a winter jacket, I wondered what God thinks about
the Olympics. We probably get a good idea from the apostle
Paul. I mean, if Paul were around today, I think his DVR would be
set to the CBC every night. Paul liked athletics… and
races… He promoted a “go for the gold” attitude, and repeatedly used
these things as analogies for Christian living.
In 1 Corinthians 9:25 he wrote: “All athletes are
disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will
fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”
At first glance it may seem like Paul was denouncing athletes
for pursuing worldly accolades. But it’s actually more of a
challenge to Christians based on his appreciation for elite
athletes. He understood their intense dedication. He
respected their drive to be the best. He saw them devote their lives
to the sport, even if the rewards were fleeting. With that in
mind, how much more motivated should we be, as
Christians, to give our best for God?
During the Olympics, skier
Mikaela Shiffrin fell and lost her chance for a medal, she tearfully said, “I
will never get over this.” We don’t ever have to feel that same
regret. Giving our best to God will always result in great reward in
Heaven. Our efforts will never be lost in the pursuit of a worldly trophy
or a brief moment of fame. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 9:24, let’s go for the
gold!