The Summer Olympics have begun and most of the world will spend the next several days watching some of the most dedicated and well-trained athletes on the face of the planet. Years of training, sacrifice, and determination have gone into the few moments that will decide who is fastest, strongest, and most-skilled. Watching Olympic athletes often compete inspires us “normal” folk. These men & women do what they do because inside each one lies a deep passion that has driven them to this moment.Sympathy for the Devil full movie Toxic Skies movie
The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 9:24-27):
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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Paul encourages us here to live and train as the Olympic athletes do, but with a different goal in mind.
If an athlete has any hope of winning the coveted gold medal, he or she must put in the dedication & training necessary. This often entails sacrifice, suffering, and even pain. But, the reward is far greater than the sacrifice.
May we be reminded, during these games, that, if we are to have any hope of being awarded the “crown that will last forever” we too must put in the necessary dedication & ”strict training.”
…train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Related: pray for the persecuted Christian church in China
We need to remember that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Training in the Christian life goes on everyday. The Olympic games will be over before we know it. Our lives will also be over before we know it, and we will stand before the Judge who sees deep into our hearts and knows our motives.
Therefore, let us run the race with peservance that is marked out before us, and let us keep our eyes on Jesus, for He is not only our Treasure, but worth more than all the gold medals in all the Olympic games.
Endurance is such a key part of the Christian “marathon”. We can get tired, feel broken, or even get lazy. But as Eugene Peterson puts it, it is meant to be a “long obedience in the same direction”. So a question to consider is how do we endure when things get tough and how do we endure when things seem to be smooth sailing?
I think we endure through prayer and keeping our focus on
Jesus. It also helps to keep in the Word. In [4:1]Therefore, my brothers,(1) whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
[2]I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. [3]Yes, I ask you also, true companion,(2) help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
[4]Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. [5]Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6]do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7]And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8]Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9]What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
[10]I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11]Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12]I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13]I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
[14]Yet it was kind of you to share(3) my trouble. [15]And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. [16]Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. [17]Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.(4) [18]I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. [19]And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. [20]To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
[21]Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. [22]All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
[23]The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (ESV)
Footnotes
1. [4:1] Or 'brothers and sisters'; also verses 8, 21
2. [4:3] Or 'loyal Syzygus'; Greek 'true yokefellow'
3. [4:14] Or 'have fellowship in'
4. [4:17] Or 'I seek the profit that accrues to your account'
" target="_new">Philippians 4, Paul talks about being well fed and being hungry; living in prosperity and poverty. He learned the secret of contentment, and that was doing all things through Christ who gives us strength. I think that is how we endure