For the past week and a half most of the world’s television screens have been tuned in to the 2016 Olympics. It has always been a thing of excitement (for me) to see the world’s greatest athletes in their respective specialties come under one roof and compete against each other. The same can be said of two specific rivals named Michael Phelps (from America) and Chad le Clos (from South Africa). Their beef with each other goes back to the 2012 London Olympics with le Clos narrowly beat out Phelps (the favored winner) by .05 seconds to win the gold in the 200m Butterfly event. Since that time there has been ‘smack talk’ making its way around the media circuits by these two. It was apparent from the beginning of this year’s qualifying rounds that these competitors were looking beat the other. Le Clos seemed to taunt Phelps at every turn. While le Clos could be found expending his energy to stare down the man he intended to beat, Phelps eyes remained on the pool. Michael Phelps arrived in Rio with a few different goals in mind and seemed blind to everything else. The final heat of the 200m Butterfly began, coincidentally, with the rivals competing side by side in the final race. Even in the middle of a competition le Clos seemed more worried about his competitor than concentrating on running his own race (see the picture above). By the end of the race a victor had emerged and his name was Michael Phelps. Le Clos will go home with nothing (as he placed fourth) to show for the race other than a few pictures and a few videos that reflect how he acted during the Olympics. Had he concentrated more on himself and the task at hand I dare say he may have done quite a bit better in his race.
As Christian’s we’re all in a race. Not necessarily to see who can grow a church the fasted or have the largest choir. Rather, it’s race against time. The end of time, that is. We all are instinctively born with the desire to accomplish. Maybe your thrill comes from hunting, shopping, couponing (the latest rage), competing in sports, “keeping up with the Joneses.” As Christian’s we also have something that should drive us, it’s called the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 reminds us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” When you join His team your life (should) become less about your own accomplishments and more about others. Reaching the unsaved, teaching new believers biblical truths- while studying to show yourself approved a worker unashamed and handling the word of truth. Too many times we find churches competing against each other for members, or to have the greatest music program, or any number of (dare I say) ignorant reasons. It’s not important what denomination we’re members of. The quicker we realize we are all in this race as a team, the easier it will be to accomplish the works we’ve been entrusted to do.
Closing remarks and encouragement: Christianity is a team sport. We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no “I” in TEAM.” If you see a brother/sister in Christ that has fallen, help them up. If you see someone in need, give them a hand up (notice I didn’t say a “hand out”—big difference between the two). “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Have a blessed week and press on, my friends!!!