This One Thing

Every two years, the world pauses. All eyes turn towards a common event while a diversity of athletes compete for the gold. I’m talking, of course, about the Olympics. Ever since the revival of the modern Olympics in 1896, only three games have been canceled and one delayed and this weekend, the Winter Olympics in Beijing will begin. Around 2,900 athletes will compete in 109 events over the course of 17 days. These athletes represent the best in their sport. I can’t even imagine the kind of dedication and sacrifice that has led each one to this moment. The hours of training, the opportunities and distractions passed over, the focus solely on the goal: compete and win in the Olympic Games.

As I think about the various athletes and all that it takes for them to make it to the Olympics, I think about the words of the Apostle Paul. He compared his life as a Christian to that of an athlete: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13, 14). As you watch the olympians over the next couple of weeks, ask yourself how you can become more like them. We aren’t training or competing for an earthly medal. We are striving for the prize of the call of God! Isn’t that worth dedicating our lives to?