The Medals!

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

After watching some exciting successful young athletes recently, I recognized that these were some of their common motivations; the enjoyment of playing their sport, the challenge of competition and reaching new personal goals. They definitely paid close attention to their skill improvement and exploration of their potential.  Just to name a few; S said she loves to be in the water swimming; V loves to be on the tennis court practising and S spends time on the basket ball court training and V and L chose to have fun during their tennis doubles competition! They had good results simply because they took that time to focus seriously on what was important to them, their sport.  The goals of all these athletes were to win, and some made it to the top. The many hours they spent in the gym paid off!

How much more should this motivate us Christians as we are reminded by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:5 “And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules”. It is always so exciting to see the smiles and joy on the faces of the winners during the awards ceremony. This is really important to them but we know that its only temporary!  Paul reminds us that earthly awards are good but really incomparable to the heavenly rewards.  The amazing thing is that every person in this world has God’s open personal invitation. Children, teenagers and all adults at their different levels in life, no one is left behind!  We have this invitation to go at our own pace, the competition is really with yourself, which is unlike the ordinary sports where there is always someone else trying to break a new record that hasn’t yet been achieved. 

In Hebrews 12: 2 we are reminded that: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, Jesus endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” We have the open invitation. How much more can this be exciting knowing our destination is heaven, where the real treasures are!

When we choose to wear the jersey of our favorite player or team, we don’t have the same experience as that athlete! We are only showing solidarity, as a symbol of support!  To hear and know God’s voice, we have to read his Word purposefully.  It is important to have this lifelong quest to love the Bible, study it and listen and obey what God is saying to us individually.  It is the only truth that matters. We all have this major assignment to present God’s invitation to those who are not yet on the team.

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely!

Reflect:

What is one area of your life where God is calling you to have more discipline like an athlete?