All eyes are currently on Sochi, Russia, and the Winter Olympics.
I enjoyed the opening ceremonies, and was particularly impressed by the fireworks.
Of course, I’m also pleased that Canada got off to a good start!
The Olympic Games have a long history. Records indicate that they originated in Olympia, Greece (hence the name Olympics) in 776 BC and were held in honor of Zeus.
Traditional Jews and early Christian alike, for a variety of reasons, tended not to be big fans of the Olympics.
Nevertheless, it is apparent that New Testament writers employed words and phrases that were associated with these games.
Paul wrote, “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.” (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25).
Similarly, in Philippians 3:14, he states, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s emphasis is not on competition, but dedication and discipline in running the Christian race. He also makes a comparison between the temporary laurel wreath received by winning athletes and the eternal nature of God’s rewards.
Another object lesson from Greek sports is found in 2 Corinthians 5:10. It says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due ...”
The word for judgment seat for believers is the same one used for the place where successful athletes received their awards.
Occasionally, an athlete may be disqualified from competing. It is such a disappointment, and sometimes even a shame to that individual and the nation they represent!
The apostle John, employing the same terminology that would be used for a disqualified athlete says, “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully” (2 John 1:8).
Then, in Hebrews 12:1,2, we read, “... let us 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 ...”
Athletes are not only disciplined, but they shed every unnecessary weight and encumbrance when they compete. Christians are encouraged to set aside all evil practices that would impede growth and progress.
And as an athlete must keep the finish line in view, so must the Christian stay focused on Jesus.
One quick question ... are you going for the gold?
Pastor Ross Helgeton is the senior pastor of Erskine Evangelical Free Church.
— Faith & Reflection