24 Do you not realise that, though all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, only one of them gets the prize? Run like that -- to win.
25 Every athlete concentrates completely on training, and this is to win a wreath that will wither, whereas ours will never wither.
26 So that is how I run, not without a clear goal; and how I box, not wasting blows on air.
27 I punish my body and bring it under control, to avoid any risk that, having acted as herald for others, I myself may be disqualified. (1 Corinthians, chapter 9)
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The summer Olympics are presently being played in London, England. Many athletes from around the world are contending for a gold, silver, and bronze medal of Earthly glory. The training and diligent discipline that many have dedicated themselves to in the past years have prepared them for this testing moment. The glory of triumph fills the hearts of the
many who vicariously celebrate their favorite athletes' accomplishments. Yet as spectacular as these victories are, in a few years, the names of the winners will be forgotten. The placement of their records will be filed away into annals of history.
The Olympics are exciting to watch, the energy deployed touches our emotions, and we are happy for the many who participate. This is all good. Yet there is a contest, a race, a tournament, that we all participate in. This "Olympiad" is of a far more magnificent
rating. The standard has already been set, the prize already purchased. As I read in 1 Corinthians 9, starting at verse 24,
St. Paul mentions about this race, this tournament of a Heavenly nature. We as team members of the Heavenly Kingdom, must also prepare, exercise, and train ourselves. This, of course, entails denying ourselves the gratification of our pleasures so that we not hinder our chance for victory. We must practice daily to develop our abilities so that we can reach the goals that have been set before us. The prize, the level of triumph, the trophy, is waiting for us. The crown of victory is now with our King of Victory, Jesus Christ, who is ready to present it to us. Similar to the athletes of the Olympics, we must not rest on yesterday's winnings. We must focus and set our selves to achieving today's test. We must continue to move forward in progressing to the finish line. The importance of our finishing is also far greater in Glory than the Earthly glory of the present Olympics in London. The ensign of our triumph is eternal, and everlasting in recognition. With this set before us let's remain poised toward perfection in our dedication to this tournament. May we remain enthusiastic in our
endeavors, till finally we joyfully hear our Champion say: “Well done !! Good and Faithful Friend !! Enter in and Rest !!”
Br. Phil Bara
