Articles
Going for Gold!
Like so many other folks I know, Cathy and I get caught up in the Olympics, summer or
winter. We enjoy the competitions and view as many of the contests as possible. As much as we
enjoy the contests themselves, we also enjoy the background stories which are shared about
many of the athletes. The stories tell of the hours of dedicated practice over many years, the
sacrifices made and sometimes the battles faced as their bodies would “break down” because of
the strain and stress involved to achieve the opportunity just to compete on the Olympic level.
And as we cheer on our “favorites”, sometimes we forget that many compete for the gold, but
walk away empty-handed.
If we change thought direction for just a moment, we can begin to see a parallel of the
Olympian pursuit to our walk in Christ. The apostle Paul would often use the athlete to describe
the challenges we face as Christians (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). Oftentimes we face
uphill battles, affliction, trials and temptations which threaten to discourage us from the race set
before us (Hebrews 12:1). And sadly, there are those who find the odds so insurmountable that
they give in to those pressures, allowing Satan to claim victory over their lives, walking away
empty-handed.
As Christians, difficult times will indeed come our way, but in those times we need to
remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ walked the same roads and was victorious over
Satan and has promised the same for us. “[Jesus] endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [He] endured such hostility by sinners against
Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2 -3). He says
—persevere! Don’t give up. Trials and afflictions come our way to help develop our faith, not to
defeat us. And just like those athletes who persevered through their trials to win gold, we, too,
are assured victory if we remain true to our quest for eternal life.
I hope we all can share with Paul when he stated, “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 loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
A gold medal at the Olympics is great, but I would rather receive the crown of
righteousness given by Jesus! That will be the greatest victory of all! ~ P. Mowrer
