Day 9 - Running to Win
The eyes of the world will be on the little village of Torino, Italy for the next two weeks as the games of the 20th Winter Olympics unfold. More than 2,600 athletes from more than 80 countries have gathered for “the glory of sport.†The Olympics began in ancient Greece, and when Christianity began to spread to this part of the world, the Olympics had been going on for seven centuries!
The apostle Paul well understood the passion of Olympic competition when wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth. He used the Olympic games as a metaphor for serving Jesus. Self-discipline, personal sacrifice, and steadfast dedication are needed to win the race. The athletes that we’ll be watching over the next two weeks have dedicated their entire lives to excellence in their particular sport. Only a very select few will ever win an Olympic medal.
Paul challenges us to compare the significance and permanence of our quest compared to the fleeting victory of the Olympians. “…Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.†(I Corinthians 9:25b-NKJV) The clear context of Paul’s discussion is his passion to win people to faith in Christ. (see v.19 & 22)
When it comes to winning people to faith in Christ, our commitment, zeal and devotion to duty should leave even the Olympic athletics in the dust.
Today’s Scripture Promise: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.†(I Corinthians 9:24—New American Standard)