Welcome home Olympians!
If you have devoted any time to watching the Olympic Games in Paris, you may agree that it was one of the most exciting and exhilarating events that has taken place during the post pandemic. It is a beautiful thing to see all nations and all races represented in a venue where athletes compete against one another. It is fascinating watching young athletes give the best of themselves as they not only compete against one another, but live together in an environment of peace and harmony. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all people throughout the world could live together without strife, racism, hatred, etc. There were so many instances where love was exhibited and it just made you feel as though there is hope for a brighter future. Our young people represented America in spectacular ways. Unfortunately, some of them will return to their native land and be forgotten for their role in the games.
Sadly, the games had to end, for it took our minds off the violence, hatred, wars, etc. for a few days. Now we are back to the routine of hearing and seeing so much negativity. It was good while it lasted.
Today we honor and acknowledge the hard work devoted to the Olympic Games by all who participated. To witness these athletes, persevere in the athletic competitions is a good example of how life is for all of us. Sometimes we can go through life when everything goes well and other times we fall. The good news is we can get up and keep navigating in good and bad times. Just as the athletes made some mistakes, we should applaud them for giving the best they could. It was disheartening from time to time to hear our American leaders criticize some of the competitors for their actions and mistakes. It was amazing to watch one athlete celebrate another, even though they were from another nation. Isn’t that what good sportsmanship is supposed to be about?
Did you know that the gold medal is worth only $300 and the silver medals are worth considerably less. But to the athlete, it is priceless.
The apostle Paul had a good understanding of what the ancient Olympic games looked like. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race (2 Timothy 4:6-8). And, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
May we celebrate these athletes, even if we do not know them personally. For they have run great races and fought good fights. They have given the best of themselves to win the prize in these competitions. We believers know that the greatest prize or gift we could ever receive is salvation. Let us forget what has hindered us in the past and look forward to a greater day.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (NIV).
The Olympic Games sadly came to an end on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The athletes have received their medals and the greatest event of the year thus far has come to a close. The Bible tells us that we also compete, not for a medal, not for a temporary crown of olive leaves, not for honor and personal glory, but for a crown that will last forever. We compete against the enemy and our carnal nature. When we are successful, we receive glory that will endure for eternity. The crown God has awaiting us is not just for one winner, but all who are striving for righteousness. Isn’t that good news!
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
