For His Glory

I don't know how much of a sports fan that that apostle Paul actually was, but he certainly integrated sports analogies into his writings, likening our walk in Christ as a "race" or a "fight." He also mentioned the "prize" that comes from faithful service. Philippians 3 states:
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Through reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can acquire the resources that we need in order to obey God, in order to accomplish great things for Him.  Everyone is gifted, each person can do something, and by so doing to advance the Kingdom of God.  We can approach our lives each day with supernatural motivation and Christ-centered determination, knowing that He has provided the power we need in order to fulfill what He has called us to do.  

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In the book of Colossians, chapter 3, we can discover wise words that can govern our motivation in life; we can read:
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The 2020, er 2021 Summer Olympic games in Tokyo continue to plod on, consuming hours and hours of television coverage and sparking ad nauseam discussion about controversial issues.  Such as the withdrawal of Simone Biles from the team gymnastic competition - that has certainly been a subject of debate that has bordered on exploitative.  The women's soccer team, I think more than a few would admit, got their due, failing to win the gold medal - their antics, rooted in false enlightenment and narcissism has grown thin. 

And, then there's the story of the transgender weightlifter from New Zealand who failed miserably in his attempt to compete against women; but why is this guy in the competition in this first place?  We also couldn't wait, I am sure, to see what new and exciting way that Gwen Berry, or perhaps another athlete, would disrespect the country that said athlete is representing - with Berry, you don't have to worry, she failed miserably in her competition.

Owen Strachan, a recent Meeting House guest, said that the "biggest story" of these Olympics in Tokyo is the "wokeification" of the event.  He shared this example at The Christian Post:

...shot put specialist Raven Saunders — an outspoken lesbian — “twerked” after her event, shaking her body for the cameras. Having won silver, she then made an X with her hands on the medal stand. The X symbolizes “intersectionality” according to Saunders, meaning Saunders is claiming that she, as a black sexual minority, is an oppressed person with “intersecting” claims to social justice.

Strachan also pointed out the antics of the women's soccer team and Gwen Berry.  He writes:

Woke Olympians are corrupting one of America’s — and the world’s — most unitive events. As has been happening for years now, politics is overtaking sports. Instead of being able to enjoy competition and cheer for American athletes, our moments of leisure and rest must be injected with divisive ideology. So goes the woke playbook: ultimately nothing is to be enjoyed. Life must become a confessionalist monoculture, with American citizens constantly lamenting the past and making atonement for generational sins.

So, I can certainly understand how you may be soured toward the Games.  Our television has not landed on any Olympic coverage during this fortnight.  But, I know, I know, we shouldn't allow the "distractions" to keep us from rejoicing with athletes who profess Christ who have exhibited and attained incredible achievement.

One example is U.S. runner Keni Harrison, who won the silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles. A Christian Headlines article reports:

After the race, Harrison ran around the track draped in an American flag, wearing a big smile. Despite owning multiple medals in other world races – including the world record at 12.21 seconds – it was her first Olympic medal.

"I learn from my mistakes," she told NBC in a post-race interview. "For this to be my first Olympics and to come here on this world stage, and represent my country to the best of my ability – all the glory goes to God just to have this opportunity. … Just to get a silver medal at this stage, it's amazing."

Her story includes being adopted and surviving a health scare early in life.

Then, there's swimmer Caeleb Dressel, who garnered five gold medals at this year's Olympics. CBN.com relates that:

A large eagle tattoo covers the top of his left shoulder, which represents one of his favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 40:31, which says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"It's the reason I'm in the sport — not just to go fast times, but to inspire people and show them where I find my happiness with what God's given me," Dressel said after the 2015 U.S. Nationals, via the Baptist Standard.

During a time at the University of Florida, he lost his love for swimming, but decided to return and God met him there.  Again, CBN.com quotes the swimmer:

"Coming out of that, I started swimming again and really just put all my trust in God and knowing that He's going to take care of everything for me, good or bad," Dressel told the Baptist Standard in 2016. "I really learned a lot, and I really learned to see the light at the end of the tunnel and trust what God is doing, whether it be a rough point in your life or a top pinnacle in your life. You've just got to take pauses and really trust what He's doing."

The stories of Harrison and Dressel can remind us about the importance of reliance on God.  We are told in Scripture to do all for the glory of God.  As we realize that we belong to Him and He gives us the power to do what He has called us to do, it gives us a sense of joy and purpose, knowing that the Creator of the universe goes with us. 

We can also remember that Paul uses athletic analogies to drive home points about the Christian life. In addition to sports, by and large, being an entertaining outlet for us, I do think there is a sense of satisfaction when we watch athletes who are doing their best.  But, we know that there is exhilaration when we are moving in sync with our Heavenly Father, seeing Him glorified.  And, when we become discouraged and we struggle, we can know He meets us there and gives us the capacity to keep moving on.