Reflections of a Christian on the 2010 Winter Olympics

The Christian life has typically been in Free Public Domain Christian Music - 2 Great Sites contrast to a race. The apostle Paul (one Corinthians nine:24-27, Galatians 2:two, Philippians 2:sixteen, 2 Timothy four:7) and the author of Hebrews knew their visitors would comprehend the comparison. Despite the fact that the Olympic video games have been pagan in origin, men and women dwelling in Biblical days could see a relationship in between the devotion essential to contend in games, perhaps even the historical Olympic game titles, and the Christian lifestyle."As a result, we also, since we are surrounded by so wonderful a cloud of witnesses, permit us lay aside each and every bodyweight, and the sin which so effortlessly ensnares us, and permit us run with endurance the race that is set ahead of us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the pleasure that was established prior to Him endured the cross, despising the disgrace, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:one-2 NKJV).A CLOUD OF WITNESSES&bull When Joannie Rochette of Canada skated her brief software just two days following her mom died of a coronary heart attack, it was just before a crowd of over eleven,000 observers. They were awed that night as she scored a private best and once again two days later when she received the bronze medal. The commentators, some former Olympic champions by themselves, had been surprised by her grace and capacity to carry on by means of her grief.

&bull The writer of Hebrews mentions a wonderful cloud of witnesses soon after naming some of the strongest spiritual giants of the ages. These in that roll get in touch with were trustworthy despite numerous hardships. They had been counseled by God due to the fact they did not give up. No issue how challenging the race is for the believer, spectators in the family of God are cheering him on.LAY Aside Every Bodyweight&bull Apolo Ohno, who now has 8 Olympic medals, explained, "Currently being an Olympic athlete for me is a hundred% pure sacrifice." Lindsey Vonn, following successful her gold medal in the 2010 winter season Olympics, said, "I've offered up every thing for this. It signifies almost everything to me." Shaun White, winner of the gold in the men's halfpipe, explained, "I didn't appear out here to maintain back again anything."&bull Training is a required prelude to the race. Full dedication is element of that education. Just like the Olympic athletes, the Christian life is not for the lazy. There is sacrifice associated. It is tough operate, but much more than really worth every single effort to deliver glory to God.THE SIN WHICH SO Simply ENSNARES US&bull Sven Kramer of the Netherlands experienced on the most disappointing times in Olympic background. Right after having damaged a velocity file and supposedly securing the gold medal for his speedskating event, he was disqualified. The report was struck and the gold medal was lost due to the fact his coach, Gerard Kemkers, convinced him to change lanes throughout the race. Sven's first anger was easy to understand. However, the following working day, he recognized that it would not advantage him, his staff, his mentor or his region if he hung on to resentment.