It's How You Play the Game

"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. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." I Corinthians 9:24-27 NRSV

I've been glued to the Olympics. I love to watch them. My favorite is the opening ceremony. I watch each and every country as it marches into the arena. I love the gymnastics, the swimming, the track and field, the water polo, and the basketball. I watch as much as I can. I'm proud of our American athletes, but I have some international favorites, too.

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he used the language of the Olympics. Actually, they were more familiar with similar games held in Corinth called the Isthmian Games. The language and the imagery were something they could very easily relate to, and Paul drew on that to teach an important lesson about our walk with Christ. We have to train just as vigorously, diligently and purposefully as any athlete to be spiritually fit. The Olympians vie only for a laurel wreath that will die eventually; or a gold medal that will tarnish. We fight for our life - the abundant one promised here and the everlasting one promised after we die. Paul emphasized self-control, discipline, and the drive to win the prize.

As summer winds down to a close, and we look to building the routine of life around the schedule of school, work, or seasons, it is imperative that we include intentional spiritual formation as a part of that routine. As we sign up the kids for cheerleading and basketball, we must also sign them up for mid-week Bible studies, and commit to Sunday school every week. We have to remember that Sunday is a time for family, yes, but also Sunday is the time when most youth fellowships meet. So homework must be done BEFORE Sunday night. The spiritual lives of our youth depend on it!

Just as much as our bodies depend on exercise and our brains depend on education, our spirits depend on spiritual formation through the intentional study of God's word, attention to a life of prayer, and regular attendance at a service of worship where we join others on the same journey we have chosen to take in life. It's always easier to train with a buddy! So set your eyes on the prize - a life lived in glory - and GO FOR THE WIN!