A Gold Medal Performance
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 24 Aug 2008 in From Steve's Study ::
There’s certainly been a lot of talk about gold medals recently. Whether it’s the incredible Michael Phelps, the uncatchable Usain Bolt, the Aussie girls at the pool, or the Chinese gymnasts, or even the Azerbaizane winner of the Judo (73kg class), gold seems to be what it’s all about. It’s amazing the amount of sacrifice and commitment the athletes are prepared to undergo in order to get one of these glittering prizes around their necks.
Australians, it seems, are particularly passionate about their Olympic champions. Just consider how much fuss has been made over the last week or so about Stephanie Rice!
The Apostle Paul was also passionate about competing. He was prepared to experience no end of suffering and sacrifice to achieve his goals. However, Paul does not have in mind a glittering necklace, but rather a crown of glory that will not fade. This is how he describes his commitment: “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 a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
Paul was so determined to serve God that he would let nothing stand in his way. And though he never stood on a victory dias, he was able to say at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7,8)
Let me encourage you as you consider all the incredible Olympic performances over the last two weeks, as you have seen the World Records tumble, to be inspired to show the same kind of dedication and devotion, the same willingness to sacrifice for the prize of receiving the crown of righteousness when Christ returns. How fantastic it would be to be there on that last day and to have Jesus himself place the crown on our heads and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
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