It has always been an inspiring experience for me to watch the Olympics. Like some of you, Paula and I celebrated when the United States Hockey team beat the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980. We had gathered with several other young adult couples to watch the game. It was two months before our oldest son, Nathan, was born. In 1996, the summer Olympics were in Atlanta. As the torch passed through Charlotte, Bill Claytor was one of the torch bearers. The Atlanta cycling event happened along Peachtree Road in front of the church I served. Whether you get caught up in this summer’s Paris Olympic games, you can appreciate that athletes from 206 nations and territories come together for peaceful competition.
Although the Olympics can be traced back in Greek culture to776 BCE, the Bible does not directly mention the Olympic games. However, Paul uses sports images quite often in his writings. No doubt, those who read these metaphors were able to compare their experiences of active faith to the Athenian Olympic games as well as competitions in stadiums of large cities such as Corinth and Ephesus.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, ““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.” Paul is challenging the followers of Jesus to be as serious and dedicated to their commitment and discipleship as athletes are in their training and participation in the games.
In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul uses the image of a runner focused the finish line. Here is the way Eugene Petersen interprets the Greek text into our modern English culture:
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”
As you watch and enjoy these summer Olympic games, consider how you are running the race of faith. Keep your eye on Christ who inspires you to pursue the life God offers you.
Shalom!
