The Olympic games Week 31, 2011

Did you watch the last one? It was instructive. Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward 1Cor 9:24(BBE). “Yep! Hussein Bolt broke the world record in 100meters and 200meters. Imagine running 100meters in less than 9.8seconds yet looking so comfortable.” It is the 200meters I particularly noted. “Yes, it was more strenuous for him; he really had to work...” And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown 1Cor 9:25(BBE). Actually it is not Bolt that I found most remarkable in that race. “Oh? Who could have caught your attention?”
Who came 3rd in that race, do you remember? “Yes I do; an American athlete came 3rd but was disqualified.” An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules 2Ti 2:5(ESV). It was a pity; he was already celebrating when he was called aside. In the replay it turned out he took 3 steps outside his lane in the curve. Imagine after all the training and efforts only to be disqualified; he got to the finish line but would not be crowned. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified 1Cor 9:27(ESV). “In fact some were crowned in the games and later had their medals removed because they took banned substances; I know one whose name had to be erased from the record books.” Yes, erstwhile multiple medal and record holder Ms Jones.
“I didn’t realise you were so keen on sports.” Well the Holy Spirit uses sports to teach us concerning our service to God. How terrible if after our labour and the cheers of men we be disqualified. “I should have known it was not sports you are after.” My dear it’s not enough that you are still in the race or got to the finish line, but did you serve according to God’s rules? “But who can know until the final day of judgement?” Just as it is the athletes’ responsibility to know the rules and know when they were breaking them God expects us to know now before the judgement day. Listen to the Holy Spirit, the chief coach, He’ll tell you; Paul knew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing 2Ti 4:7, 8(ESV) . Are you running to win?