I love the Olympics. From the opening ceremony in all of its extravagance to the amazing athletes performing feats for us to marvel at to the fact that at least in one small Olympic village, all nations can live together in peace.

The Olympic spirit points us toward compassion and kindness, stopping to help others when they fall, and doing our best and never giving up regardless of how fast we may be. There is a hope and a joy with the Olympics that I believe comes from the fact that for a short period of time, we witness something that gives us a glimpse of the way things should be.

It is interesting how Paul makes use of athletics to teach. Paul would have known of the Olympic Games, which took place every four years at the center of Greece; but he would have been even more closely in touch with the Isthmian Games, which took place every year near Corinth. It is to the people of Corinth that Paul uses his longest sports metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

As Paul addresses these unruly Christians living in the wild Sin City of the ancient world, he reminds them of the athletes they watch each year. What is it that Paul wants them to understand?

He highlights that although being a Christian is simple, it is not easy. We must be like the athletes who have great focus and intentionality.

We must make sure that all of our actions and efforts are not aimless but produce the desired effect.

To live a life for Christ means loving others even when they are unkind or disrespectful. It means being willing to sacrifice for others and looking to bless others. It means leaving our comfort zone every time God points us toward an opportunity to serve Him or share the Gospel.

It means keeping our focus on eternity instead of what can bring us the most pleasure or comfort here on earth. It means living with integrity even when its more advantageous to our careers or bank accounts not to do so.

Simply put, living the life that God has called us to as Christians is not going to happen accidentally. Every day we are bombarded with temptations and distractions and everyday we fight against the selfishness of our human nature.

Train yourself in the Word of God daily. Train with other Christians.

If we can have gym buddies to workout with then let’s make sure we have Bible buddies for our spiritual workouts.

Let us train with fervor, zeal, and joy until we are welcomed home and receive our heavenly crowns.

People’s EC Church is located at 216 Wagner St., Lehighton.