As we all know, there has been a lot of drama surrounding this year’s Olympic games.  From a tasteless and offensive opening ceremony to questions of gender… the 2024 Olympics have been a bit controversial to say the least. Opposing views abound. But regardless of our beliefs and opinions over such things, there is one thing that we can all agree on and that is the fact that there are over 10,000 men and women from all over the world who have been training their whole lives to get there.  They have put in hours upon hours of training, blood, sweat and tears to reach their goals. 

And it is evident.

People around the world sit glued to their televisions in awe of the speed, strength, poise and control exhibited by this year’s Olympians. Medals have been won, world records have been broken, history has been made.

Yet it’s all just temporary.

Paul’s historic words to the Corinthians, seem ever so timely today, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25

Being a Christian is a lot like being an Olympic athlete. We will face opposition, temptations, disappointments, and setbacks. We will need to be disciplined enough to say “no” to things that lead us away from our goal so that we can say “yes” to the things that lead to victory. For the Christian, that means saying “no” to the things of this world so that we can say “yes” to the things that bring glory and honor to God.

Because unlike the Olympic athletes, we don’t do it for a mere medal. We do it for the eternal crown of glory… so that some day when we stand before the Almighty God of all creation, He will say, “well done my good and faithful servant.” Not even an Olympic gold medal can compare to that!

Oh what a glorious day that will be!

But in the meantime, we must stay focused on our training. “Let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2

When I read this verse I visualize Jesus standing on a beach and an athlete, eyes locked with Jesus, running full speed toward Him. I want my life to look like that. Not a leisurley stroll toward my Savior but an all out sprint. Eyes locked. Focused. Determined. Don’t you?

It will take discipline. It will take determination. It may take some blood, sweat and tears. But it will all be worth it on that glorious day of victory!

If you’re ready to join the race, start by putting these 5 Spiritual disciplines into practice today and every day:

Bible Study

 

Prayer

 

Confession

 

Service

 

and Worship.

Stay focused. Run the good race. I’ll see you at the finish line.  

 

Teresa Breeding
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