The Christian's Olympic Game

The carrying of the Olympic torch has been much in the news lately. In a little over three months the games will begin. For a much longer period of time preparations have been underway by the athletes who will compete. For a long time each one of the participants has kept the Olympic goal in mind as they poured forth every effort to be ready. For each of them the Olympic motto "One World One Dream" has probably translated in their minds as the greatest dream in their world is to have victory at the games.

As Christians we are participants in a world Olympic game as well. Our "One World One Dream" is to make an impact for Christ during our lifetime that will have an eternal result. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are given the basic rules of the game. "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." The basic rules of the Christian's life are the same as those for an athlete in any competition: exclusion, endurance and expectancy.

In our Christian race we must exclude things that will impede our progress. We must endure whatever hardships or price that loom before us. And, finally, we must focus our minds upon the goal. For us that goal is to faithfully represent Christ to the end so that we may hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." A high school coach I know always reminded his team members that if there is "No pain, no gain!" Just as athletes prepare for Olympic competition with years of sweat and discipline, we also must be prepared to expend ourselves in running the race for Christ.