The Summer Olympics are here!  Athletes train for years to compete at this highest of levels.  They have waited four years since the last summer Olympics and will wait another four for the next.  The pressure is on for a peak performance.  We feel their intensity and excitement, even from the recliners in our living rooms.

This reminded me of Paul’s message to the Corinthians, where he used the analogy of a race.  First century Corinthians were treated to the Isthmian games every two years.  The town of Corinth would be full of sports enthusiasts.  Athletic competition was a foundation of their culture.  So, Paul pulled from this image to make his point in chapters 8 and 9 of I Corinthians.  

“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath but we an imperishable one.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Paul calls the Corinthians to show that same discipline when it comes to following Jesus.  Just as the athlete gives himself completely to win his race, we too should take our faith seriously, not just as a show like the Pharisee, but surrendering ourselves to the purpose of love and witness.  Our goal is not just a perishable wreath, but the imperishable love of our heavenly Father.  It is his gift.  Let’s live as if we cherish it. 

Hope you enjoy the hymn, I Surrender All.

Judy