The stories of the Olympic athletes are inspiring. We see what they have overcome and what they have sacrificed in order to compete and win. At that level, it’s all or nothing.
Our spiritual life is pictured as a race to be run. What is Paul communicating with this image?
“Let us lay aside every encumbrance.”[i] What things get in the way of being completely committed? Simone Biles mentioned she missed her prom. Sometimes we need to give up even good things to attain that which is better. There’s nothing worth losing this prize over. “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course.”[ii]
“Run in such a way that you may win.”[iii] Be intentional. Be focused. Training to win a medal is not the same as going for an occasional jog. It might look the same at some points but the goal and the commitment differ.
“If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.”[iv] The race has a specific course. We can’t just go any direction we want or decide on our own finish line. Let’s hold fast the word of life[v], the map, so that we stay on course and not run aimlessly or in vain[vi].
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.”[vii] Training at high levels is hard work, taking discipline and self-control. It also requires endurance.[viii] Stories abound about the hours of training the Olympians logged before the sun was up while the rest of us were still in bed. It was fun to see the Final Five golden medal gymnasts celebrating with some hamburgers and fries. They had observed a strict diet while in intense training but now the prize had been attained and this feast tasted all the better.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, …”[ix] We have an audience. And we also have teammates. We gasped as Hamblin and D’Agostino fell in their qualifying heat, but cheered as they helped each other up and crossed the line together. Let’s work to help everyone finish the race. There are those who have gone before as well as those who stand at our side and we cheer each other on. Your success encourages me. Hopefully I can run in a way that will encourage those who are just starting their race.
“They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”[x] Our prize is worth the cost and will be everlasting glory - not a record to be broken or a trophy to collect dust.
Every Olympic athlete has a remarkable story of persistence and determination. We, too, have stories about how God called us into the race. Some are unexpected, or with more obvious obstacles, but we are all called to run for the same eternal prize[xi]. I want to run with the perseverance, faith and endurance that mark a champion, because I know in Whose name I run. Let’s run together towards the prize.
[i] Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
[ii] "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
[iii] Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
[iv] Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 1 Timothy 2:5
[v] Holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Philippians 2:16
[vi] see above v
[vii] see note iii
[viii] see note i
[ix] see note i
[x] see note iii
[xi] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
