Athletic

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Olympics are gone and out. I love the Olympics. It isn’t even about the athletes competing and doing their amazing things specifically; what gets me the most is how it is so patriotic. I am a sucker for patriotism and doing things to honor your flag and country. I like the idea of representing something.

The second thing that gets me the most are the athletes and everything they go through for that one moment. That ONE moment. There are so many factors they can’t control in that one moment, but they have done the best they can to prepare for it. Life is a one-time shot. No one has proven otherwise.

Athletes have an incredible abstinence and endurance. They give up and sacrifice things for something better; something that has more worth to them in their eyes.

This reminds me of our spiritual  lives.

Paul compares us in his writings to soldiers and athletes. Athletes give up a lot even if they aren’t on a team. They have incredible discipline. What would happen if we each had this kind of discipline? No fear to give up anything, if it was demanded from us. we would often rather listen to our friends, family or man in general. Tradition and desire end up winning against obedience and instruction from God.

This reminds me of Daniel.  He was someone, who gave it all, as in Daniel 1:8 says: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the
portion of the king’s food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel stood up alone for his principles. He endured and stood the test.

What we do spiritually and how we mold our characters is not necessarily a thing about representing our countries or flags. It isn’t even to win a medal, cup or trophy.

It is deeper than that– it is a matter of life or death. a matter of representation; of taking one for the team; of being part of the body of Christ.

We aren’t saved at our convenience or with whatever we decide in our minds is good enough. It isn’t about doing things our way…

We have a coach, and to win we’ve got to play like a team. It takes sacrifice, obedience, discpline, lots of prayer, loving all who surround us–it will be worth it. Unity has done revolutionary things.

“People are raising their expectations; This is your moment, don’t hesitate; When you fall, get up–the pressure is on, believe it.”