THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND THE AGONY OF DEFEAT. It is time once again to join with the huddled masses to observe well-trained, dedi-cated individuals who put it all on the line as they seek that often elusive goal of grabbing the Olympic gold medal.
I enjoy watching the Olympics, cheering for the home team, rooting for the underdog. I am awestruck by the grace, power, endurance and skill of the participants. I am often humbled and emotionally moved by their dedication and the seemingly insurmountable odds that they have over-come to be considered an Olympian.
Going for the gold demands radical obedience to an extreme regimen, in order to accomplish what some may see as an audacious goal. In some manner it sounds like what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, the Lord.
Jesus calls His followers to take up our cross and follow Him. The goal in this is to be like Jesus, to follow Him in word and deed. This, like becoming an Olympian, demands radical obedience to an extreme regi-men. It is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, the strength to compete comes not from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. We compete in an Olympic-sized event empowered by the Almighty God.
May we all, with new vigor and drive, run the race set before us unto His glory. Let us all race to win, for the prize is ours to share. Let us not settle with just competing, or with attaining the bronze, let’s go for the gold!