I Corinthians 9:24-25 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone 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.
What a timely verse. For the past several weeks and for the next several, there are multiple headlines and news stories about Olympic athletes from all over the world. I have always been amazed at the dedication, devotion and desire of these men and women. The amount of training and self-sacrifice they go through to be among the best in the world is phenomenal. But as Paul points out in Corinthians, the awards and accolades they receive are temporary. Eventually the sponsorships end, the paparazzi disappear and some of the medals end up on Pawn Stars.
Paul contrasts this with the eternal crown Christians will receive. Our "medal" is a perfect, restored body. Our trophy is an eternity in fellowship with other believers praising the Creator of the universe. While Olympic athletes are up before dawn running, swimming and lifting weights, so many Christians are hitting the snooze button yet another time. Olympians study technique, strategy and their opponents, yet countless Christians are satisfied with minimal time in the Word and even that time is surface and obligatory.
Christians could learn a lot about desire, self-discipline and self-sacrifice from the Olympians. As the London Games approach, let's commit to live our lives so that we may "get a crown that will last forever".
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