If I were to ask you to look at your calendar and pinpoint June the tenth, would anything notable come to mind. On that day, in the year two-thousand and one, Julien Alfred was born. Fast forward to August third two-thousand twenty-four, Julien wins the gold medal in the one-hundred meters on the greatest athletic stage of the world. It was the first Olympic medal for her beloved country Saint Lucia. The media coverage could hardly capture the sense of pride and accomplishment felt by her family, friends and countrymen (I assume there is still a celebration taking place). She beat the best and is now known as the best! This is the fruit of years of preparation, dedication and sacrifice. I’m sure there were countless hours invested in training, exercising, visioning and modifying nutrition. We may not all become world class athletes like Julien Alfred but we are all running a race with a chance to receive a reward. Indeed, the same disciplines are required to win the race before each of us. The race for our soul’s salvation.
Run to Win
In first Corinthians 9:24 the question was asked and the admonishment given: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!” The Christian life is like the journey of an Olympian. During the time of Paul’s writing, the Olympic games had become a spectacle in Ancient Greece where the best athletes near and far competed for little more than bragging rights. Each athlete entered the games expecting to win and this is the same attitude we are to have as Christians. It isn’t one of self-confidence in our own abilities, but of steadfast reliance on our Saviour who has proven to be reliable. Sometimes, Christians support a somber mentality that cries “woe is me” as the theme song of their life. I’ve been guilty of complaining about trials and uncomfortable circumstances too. As we examine the life of Jesus and His apostles, we would see a pattern of stubborn determination to perform the will of God. They were committed to the mission of presenting the report of His government to their fellow countrymen. They were willing to be misunderstood, ridiculed, imprisoned and even killed for their service to Christ.
Jesus told His followers, according to Luke 10:20, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Here, as consistent throughout His recorded teachings, the Son of God was encouraging a mind fixed in devotion, commitment and assurance. He didn’t leave them to wonder in doubt about finishing the race before them. He wanted them to know that if they remained in connection with Him their final victory was certain. As we are in constant competition with the carnal nature, the lies of Satan and the battles of everyday life, let’s remain in our lane and be assured that the living God can complete His redeeming work within us. Our trust is in the One who has already defeated the enemy. Therefore, as we follow Him, we do so with a mind that is set on winning!
The Eternal Reward
First Corinthians 9:25 continues with: “Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].” During the Olympic games in Greece, the rewards weren’t anything like they are today. Today’s Olympians can establish generational wealth through endorsements but no so back then. According to worldhistory.org: Each winner received a “…victory crown of wild olive leaves and an olive branch cut from the sacred tree… The olive was significant because the trees of Olympia were believed to have been originally planted by Hercules …However, the real prize for athletes was glory, fame and, in a very real sense, historical immortality.” Yes, you read that correctly, the winners of the games walked away with a crown made from an olive tree and bragging rights.
Question, how many names do you remember of the athletes who competed until exhaustion and near death during those games? With time, the memory of their sacrifices and victories faded as all else does. Even today’s athletes must confront the reality of one day being forgotten by men. So, what’s the point of competing at all? In the race that God has called us to, the reward will last for eternity! The greatest reward Christians can look forward to is unbroken fellowship with our Creator and the redeemed! Regarding our fellowship with God: Revelation 21:3 gives us a glimpse into our future reality: “See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [as their God,].” And regarding our fellowship with the redeemed 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 states: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the [blast of the] trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! Therefore, comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died].”
Our names will forever be remembered in Heaven but our greatest satisfaction will be celebrating the name of the One who demonstrated such a matchless love for us. Hallelujah!