Olympic Gold
The Olympics. I love this season of International athletic competition. Have you been watching the Olympics? Have you ever imagined yourself competing in them? Winning a medal? Winning gold?
During the Rio Olympics in 2016, you may have heard the interview of US synchronized divers, Boudia and Steele Johnson; they won silver that year. You might suspect that they would be disappointed with their second place finish, wishing they had achieved a gold medal. Instead they both affirmed the importance of their “identity in Christ” and how that “knowing my identity is rooted in Christ, not the result of what this competition is, gave me peace.”
We can be tempted towards prioritizing a lot of things for our identity and desires. But any identity and desire outside of Christ will ultimately fade away and disappoint, even Olympic Gold.
In the spirit of the Olympics, here are some biblical truths from athletic references within the Bible!
Treasure and Run towards Jesus—“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV).
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Pursue Eternal Things. Work Hard—“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Live with purpose—“So I do not run aimlessly” (1 Corinthians 9:26).
Stand and Fight—“I do not box as one beating the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26).
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Don’t Quit or Disqualify Yourself. Work Hard.—“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
“if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24).
Take some time and evaluate your own identity, hopes, desires, and efforts…
Which famous identity would you prefer: being an Olympic Gold Medalist, or being an adopted child of Jesus?
Which riches would you prefer: paychecks and sponsorships, or eternity with Jesus?
How do you prioritize your thoughts, energy, emotions, efforts, and resources: into earthly things or into eternal things?
May we be prepared and look forward to the ultimate medal ceremony ahead…
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV).