Gabby Douglas. Michael Phelps. Kerri Walsh.
You know these names. They are some of the select
number of people that are admired all around the world for their talent, skill,
and dedication. Most of us stared in amazement as we watched them excel in the
Olympics this summer.
And while we cheered, they tear up as they accepted
their Gold Medals. They are overwhelmed because in a moment’s time all of their
hard work and sacrifices were worth it all. Every morning they woke up before
the sun, followed strict diets, and passed by opportunity after opportunity to
hang out with friends and have relationships, all for that 1 in 1 million
chance to stand on the podium and accept the Gold!
When I look at these people I begin to see the
parallel between an Olympian and the Christians God intends us to be.
Kerri Walsh, beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist
says, “Passion is a huge prerequisite to winning. It makes you willing
to jump through hoops, go through all the ups and downs and everything in
between to reach your goal.”
An Olympian’s life is consumed by the fact that they
are an Olympian. They sacrifice their diets, their time, realtionships, and
more because they are so devoted to their sport and dream!
Paul says in Philippians 3:7-9- “7 But whatever were
gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I
consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a
righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through
faith in [a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of
faith.”
Any Olympian, when interviewed, almost always talks
about the dedication and sacrifices it took to get where they were. It was a
struggle, it was a fight, but it was worth it.
Can you say the same about your walk with Christ?
Jesus says we are to “take up our crosses daily and
lose our life” (Matthew 16:24-25) and he says those who does not give up
everything cannot be my deciple” (Luke 14:33)
Just like you cannot be an Olympian without giving up
everything in your life to reach your goal, so you cannot be a Christian
without giving it all!
Today, look at your life. Look and see what you are
doing to be close to and serve God that is actually a sacrifice to you.
Are you denying yourself time spent online, watching
TV, and with friends to pray, read your word, and seek God?
Are you denying your body and fasting?
Whens the last time you didn’t buy another pair of
shoes so you could bless someone else?
There are many incredible promises of God in his word.
However he never promised being his disciple is easy.
It is the narrow path for a reason!
He never promised it would be easy, but he promised it
would be worth it!
Matthew 7:13-14-
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the
road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the
gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only
a few find it.
