The Last Man Standing

In 1st Corinthians 10, we are given a warning to remain devoted to Christ and dependent on the resources that He has given in order to live a triumphant life:

12Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.13No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

An attitude of humility is so important as we live the Christian life.   He does not want us to be lifted up in pride, but rather to maintain that sense of reliance on Him, recognizing that it is through our connectedness to Him and appropriation of His power that we can truly walk in a manner pleasing to Him.   And, when we are tempted to engage in behavior that will be damaging to us, He is totally faithful and will give us what we need in order to resist the temptation, but remember the Bible says, "flee from idolatry" - we have to guard against placing ourselves in a state of spiritual risk.

In Ecclesiastes 9, we have a reminder that things don't always turn out the way we think they will:

10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.11I returned and saw under the sun that-- The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.
During the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing some material relative to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, including a report next Monday on some ministry that is being done there.   Numerous Christian organizations have journeyed there to reach out to those attending the Games.

This year, according to the Guardian, Australia is taking its biggest team into the competition - some 60 contestants.  And, yes in that piece there was a reference to Australia's first Winter Olympic gold medal, which was won in an improbable manner in Salt Lake City in 2002, an incident about which my son made me aware yesterday.

The man responsible was short track skater Steven Bradbury, who won in the 1000 meter race.   There were five contestants in the finals including American Apolo Ohno.  The BBC has a report.   For most the race, Bradbury trailed the other four - it wasn't even close.  Then as Ohno and Chinese skater Li Jiajun positioned themselves side by side going into the final turn and a third skater approached from the rear, in a moment that hearkens memories of Talladega or Daytona, the skaters collided and went tumbling to the ice.  The fourth place skater also fell, leaving...one man standing - Steven Bradbury, who was in last place, but skated across the finish line for Olympic gold.

Bradbury was quoted by the BBC as saying, "God smiles on you some days and this is my day."  He also said, with great honesty, "It's good, but it doesn't feel right you know."  And, "I wasn't as strong as the other guys out there, but I am going to take it."

In an amazing set of circumstances, in the semi-final round, Bradbury had enjoyed similar good fortune when he had been trailing before being sent through into the finals because the referee ruled he had been impeded.

I mentioned that passage from Ecclesiastes 9, that reminds us that things don't always turn out the way we think they will.   But Bradbury was faithful - he had trained, he was prepared, and he was positioned well to capitalize on the collisions in front of him.   The Bible reminds us that God desires our faithfulness and our obedience - He doesn't necessarily promise earthly or tangible success in life, as the world defines it, but if we do our best and place ourselves in a state of dependence on Him, then we can be confident that He is in charge of the results - it may not be first place or Olympic gold in the world's eyes, but if we're positioned for God to use us, then He will produce the fruit for His glory!

I think that the picture of Bradbury crossing the finish line when everyone else had fallen is a great picture of the blessings of endurance.   There are circumstances and influences in life that can cause us to fall.  For instance, the Bible speaks of pride as being a catalyst for a fall.  The power of indwelling sin can certainly cause us to stumble in the Christian life, and the captivity of sin can bring an misery in this life and in eternity for a person apart from God.   If we adopt patterns that run contrary to the ways of God, that will lead to spiritual failure.   But, devotion to Christ and the wisdom to be able to triumph over those spiritual deterrents will enable us to stand even when all those around us fall.   Scripture teaches us that God has made a way for us to walk in victory, and His principles are sure, even when those around us may attempt to lead us in a different path.