“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
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The Summer Olympics won’t take place again for three more years, but preparations are already underway for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, California. For decades, we’ve seen track and field competitions with runners, as well as athletes who throw the javelin or the shot put, among other disciplines. Swimming will continue to be a big part of the Summer Games. Baseball, softball, lacrosse, cricket and flag football have been added to the schedule. At the moment, prospects for the Olympics are working hard many times a week in hopes of making it to the big stage. Even though they don’t know if they will win anything, they put forth their best efforts day in and day out.
For example, young boxers don’t know if they’ll be chosen to represent the U.S. in a few years, but they’re listening to their trainers and working their hardest. Boxing prospects are likely running long distances, skipping rope, swimming and weightlifting for their training. In addition, they’re participating in regional and national tournaments to gain experience. As time passes, the work gets tougher, they do more sparring, and also get more serious about nutrition as they get closer to the main events. They may suffer injuries and some losses along the way, but need to keep going.
In New Testament times, some Olympic sports were played in the areas where Paul preached and established new churches. So Paul used people’s interest in sports to challenge us to put our best foot forward in living for God and showing love toward others. “Do 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. 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” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
Most athletes are careful and try to represent their country well. As Christians, we represent our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and should stop and think before we do anything foolish or unwise, because people may not listen to the Gospel if we’re reckless, rude and uncaring. “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to 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 9:26-27).
Of course, none of us will be perfect like Jesus, but we should stretch out our hands to help others in need and share His life-giving message with all of our might as long as we live so we can finish our race well. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 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 4:6-8).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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