Perishable Crowns & Olympic Lessons

Every Olympics I think of this verse... 

1 Cor 9:24-27 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.

I’m amazed as I watch all of these athletes perform. Realizing that they have trained all their lives, sacrificed so much, literally poured out blood, sweat and tears for this moment. This once in a lifetime opportunity. And yet, this moment of glory, these gold, silver and bronze medals are still just perishable crowns. 

And then I think about my own life. Am I seeking the Kingdom as hard as they seek a medal? Am I “training” my mind, my body, my soul for the cause of Christ like they do for a brief moment in history? Do I eat, sleep and think about God all day like they do their sport? Am I willing to put my life under a Christian mentor like they do a coach in order to use all of my God given gifts, talents and abilities to the fullest? 

Hats off to you, our Olympic athletes, for showing all of us as disciples of Christ what it means to truly seek something with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. May we as His followers, live lives worthy of the calling that we have received with the same amount of discipline, determination and diligence of an Olympic athlete.