Occasionally an Olympic Game’s viewer becomes aware of an athlete’s coach. However, the coach is only one of an entourage of people who support the athlete. There are trainers, doctors, dieticians, equipment specialists, to say nothing of the sacrifices parents make paying for lessons, hauling them to practice and competitions, and in general supporting their child’s ambition.

Consider also the many people who have had a role in our lives in bringing us to and sustaining us in the Christian faith. If my paternal grandfather had not insisted his sons be confirmed, my family, including me, might never have had contact with a church. Then there are the Sunday School teacher I had, pastors I knew, seminary professors, colleagues who not only taught me about the Lord but accompanied my faith journey by taking an interest in me, encouraging me, advising me, and helping me when I stumble. I would have been lost without them.

Back to the Olympics, Many were outraged by the way the adults around 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva mistreated her. One of them surely had her drugged with a banned heart medication. Her coach berated her publicly for her performance in the ice. It was a reminder of how much damage trusted people can do to a person in their charge.

It’s a reminder of how important we are in helping others on the path of faith. We need to be supportive and encouraging and careful that our actions never become a stumbling block to others. May God bless our efforts.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne