Did you know you are an Olympic athlete?

For all us Christ followers out there, we have some Olympic athlete decisions to make.

Do we hide Jesus under a bushel, or do we put in on a stand for all to see?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

When someone asks about our faith, how do we answer?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,… (1 Peter 3:15

Are we aiming for a finish line?

For every athlete who competed in the 2024 Olympic games in Paris this summer, there was a finish. Some played until a buzzer sounded. Some crossed a finish line. Some touched a wall.

We run toward eternal life!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

In our overwhelming gratitude for the Savior who rescued us, we live this life for Him. On the way, we invite as many people as possible into a relationship with the only one who conquered death. Our finish line is either our last breath of life on earth, or the return of Jesus. Let’s strive with the tenacity of an Olympic athlete to live life in such a way that we can recite 2 Timothy 4:7 at our finish line: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Are we playing by the rules?

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5)

Some athletes in Paris were disqualified for breaking a rule. One such example was the U.S. men’s 4×100 meter relay. An early baton pass occurred outside the takeover zone. The blunder slowed the team down and kept them off the podium, and the post-race review disqualified them anyway.

We, too, must be living according to the principles of Scripture. There are lanes in which we must run and boundaries we must honor. We are to be living illustrations of the verses we read, like this one: Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

Thank you, God, for athletes who put the light of Jesus on the stand.

May every believer around the globe of any age, shape or physical capability understand that we too, are Olympic athletes representing the Kingdom of God and striving just as relentlessly. May we not be lazy or become complacent in our role on earth.

We are striving for the podium for Your glory, not ours.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3: 13-15)

Picture Explanation: Role models for putting Christ on a stand.

Speaking of living a short life with our light on a stand: If you are interested in participating in a co-ed online One Gritty Blink Bible study this fall, click on the Oaks Ministries link below and send me an email so I can place you on a list to be contacted as online and face-to-face studies are planned. Let’s not just focus on things in this short life, but also what counts for eternity.

Note: No part of my posts are derived from A.I. Thoughts and writing stem from my mind and heart as I process life week-by-week and continue to grow in my understanding of God and how to apply His wisdom to the world around me.

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