Training Begins Before the Games
As Christians we need to
have developed our convictions and trained our reactions before we are
challenged. Olympic athletes do not arrive to compete without years of training
and practice in their sports. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4:7b-10:
Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of
some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the
present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and
deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we
have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people,
especially of those who believe.
We are not going to become godly by accident, but by training. Training
takes work (toil in the verse above) and many attempts (strive in the verse
above). As Christian parents, training should begin in the home. Teach your
children Christian character, value, and godliness while under your protection
before they face true challenges.
Events at the Games
1. Long Distance Running. Any runner
will tell you that when running for a long distance the key is your pace.
Starting out too quickly will lead to a lack of energy to finish the race. Paul
mentions in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 that runner must have self-control. As
Christians, we must add self-control to our training to finish strong.
2. Synchronized Swimming. In the water, synchronized swimmers must be perfect mirrors of each
other. No noticeable differences from their movements to how they look. John
calls us to be in perfect synchronization with Jesus, “whoever says he abides
in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked” (1 John 2:6). Our
steps should be perfectly synched with the Lord’s.
3. Archery. As an archer your arm should be
an extension of the arrow; one long, unified line. As Christians we should be
unified with other believers. Paul tells us to be one body, one Spirit, one
Lord, one faith, on baptism, one God and one Father (Ephesians 4:5-6). This
list is a long line of unity connecting believers to each other and to God.
4. Fencing. When you
arrive to compete at the Olympics, you need a sword (actually called a foil in
fencing) that is familiar, whose weight and design feels like an old friend. As
Christians, Paul tells us to take up our “sword of the Spirit, which is the
Word of God.” To be ready for battle, the Bible should be familiar as well. If
you do not know the Word, you will lose your match.
5. Weightlifting. The amount of weight that the men and women can lift at the Olympics is
astounding! But as Christians, we are called to lift an even heavier load, one
another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Many times our own burdens are difficult
enough to carry, but if Christians are to cross the finish line, we must
support and help each other.
6. Gymnastics. The goal in every gymnastics event us to “stick the landing” which
means you do not move, not even one little step. As Christians, we are
commanded to “stick the landing” as well. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul tells
us, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be
steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing
that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (emphasis mine).” Our faith must be
as firm as a perfect score in gymnastics.
God Makes Us Golden
Some of the greatest moments
of human achievement and athleticism occur at the Olympics, but none
exemplifies what God does for us more than Great Britain’s Derek Redmond’s
semifinal race in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
God watches all of us struggle under the injury of our sin, then he
comes down and helps us finish the race. His power (Philippians 4:13) is how we
win, not gold, silver, or bronze medals, but all win first place. Those who
finish with the Lord receive the prize of heaven. His power, His love, His
sacrifice makes us all golden.
Radiant in His power in the tree house,
Chelli
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