Lessons From the Olympians

I'm learning a lot by watching the Olympics... and it has nothing to do with the difference between a triple lutz and a triple toe loop.  (Although my ever-amazing son actually did designate the distinction between them for me.)  No, it has to do with life lessons.  Lessons like perseverance, dedication, friendship, loyalty, courage, self-discipline, and more.  The athletes who compete at Olympic levels are astounding human beings.  They have spent countless hours, days, weeks, months, and even years perfecting the skills they need to make their dream a reality.  But they haven't done it alone.  They have had the support of their parents and siblings, skilled and knowledgeable coaches, and other athletes who can identify with the struggles and demands of their sports.  Watching the Olympic competition continually reminds me of the demanding race we run every day of our lives if we are to excel in the faith and abound in the love of Christ Jesus.

Perseverance:  Without this tenacious spirit that compels us forward in even the most difficult of situations, we will quickly abandon the faith and revert back into our worldly ways of trying to handle life's demands.  Perseverance is that steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  For many of the Olympic athletes, this is not their first try for a medal.  For some, it is not even their second try.  One  figure skater has seen four consecutive  Olympic competitions and is even now beginning to realize some of his greatest dreams.  Despite his age (a ripe old age of 31 years) and the fact that he has undergone multiple back surgeries resulting in the placement of artificial discs into his spine-- not to mention that he lives with a daily level of pain that would probably dissuade most of us from doing anything-- this dedicated athlete has astounded the crowds and set the bar high for all who follow him.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12)

Dedication:  I have seen reports that attest to the fact most of these Olympians hold jobs and lead regular lives apart from their sport.  Many are parents of young children.  For some, the days just do not seem long enough, so they spend hours perfecting their craft at night.  Some of the skiers and jumpers even wear headlights on their helmet so they can propel themselves down a mountainside in the darkness.  It seems people will always find time for those things they truly value!  It's not how many hours we have in a day... it's how we choose to use them that determines our level of dedication to a task.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"  (Colossians 3:17) 

Friendship:  Many (if not most) of the athletes competing have met one another on various stages in earlier competitions around the globe.  The mere fact that they are competing for recognition in a specific area of athletic endeavor has not prevented them from forming strong friendships with one another.  I've seen those relationships reflected in the faces of athletes who grimace when another competitor stumbles or has a disastrous fall.  I've watched the joy and hugs shared with a competitor who has just defied all the odds to emerge as a "dark horse" and claim an Olympic medal.  Competition has not overshadowed the bonds of friendship, and brotherhoods of encouragement and consolation have risen above all.

 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  

(John 15:12-15)

Loyalty:  Each of the athletes is competing as a representative of a country.  Some live and train in that country, while others undergo their rigorous training in another part of the world so that they might have the advantage of learning under the tutoring and instruction of a desired coach.  Regardless, when they mount that podium to receive their award, each and every athlete looks to the flag of the nation they represent, and their loyalty and pride shines forth.  Their fame has not taken them so far that they do not remember from where they came.

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart."

(Proverbs 3:3)

Courage:  As I watch some of the skiers hurling their bodies down a mountainside at 80 miles per hour with nothing but a helmet to protect their heads, I am convinced there must be that moment of fear that comes just before they exit the gate at the top.  How could anyone look down a mountain at a treacherous course of twist, turns, and jumps and not be afraid?  Some may be remembering falls they've taken in the past or tragedies they have witnessed involving others.  Nevertheless, there they are-- poised and ready to face the mountain one more time.  They possess the ability to face danger with resolution and confidence in the skills they have so tediously honed and perfected.

 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  

(Psalm 31:24)

Self-Discipline:  These athletes are not controlled by their emotions or feelings.  They have learned to control their feelings and overcome their weaknesses.  They pursue the goal they have set for themselves despite countless temptations to abandon it.  They have learned to regulate themselves for the purpose of improvement in their chosen endeavor.  Through systematic instruction and repetitious practice, they have finely tuned their skills and are ready to claim their victories.  It doesn't take a whip, a chair, and a lion tamer to force them forward... they are driven by a deep seeded desire to excel in what they do.

 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

I could devote several more paragraphs to drawing the parallels between these Olympic athletes and those who have chosen to run the Christian race, but I really don't think that's necessary.  I trust the Holy Spirit will speak to each heart reading this blog and will reveal a truth far beyond my ability to state.  As we face the challenges and fears of life, may we all learn some valuable lessons from watching the Olympics... and may we all become champions of the faith, receiving our medals in eternity-- medals that will never rust.

"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 Corinthians 9:24-27)