Phelpsism

The Olympics, where the best in the world come to compete and those who are not so great look and marvel at what they wish they could do. What attracts those with an eternal call, purpose and treasure to be so drawn and a bit envious of those with one that fades? Is it the strength, speed, precision, the discipline? I watched the Olympics just like everyone else and just like everyone else I have moved on with my life. But not without taking a truth that should impact my life. Paul says in 1Corinthians 9:25″everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

This man and many more sacrificed their bodies and lives for a crown that fades titled “I was the best”. We know this truth but we love to see people win their fading crown. But what should compel us all the more, even convict, is their discipline and sacrifice for their earthly crown and king (themselves). Their life tends to trump the discipline and sacrifice for THE KING, our king, Christ Jesus. Whether he likes it or not Micheal Phelps had many people following and learning about him, who he is and how he did it (which he didn’t because God created him). But what stuck out more is how he would give his life so passionately, at all cost, to something that is fading and get his prize.

Michael Phelps reproduced his life in many whether he wanted to or not. With me I will not become a swimmer nor consume 10,000 calories a day but what I saw fleshed out in him left me with a question I had to ask myself. Is Jesus truly worth it? If so does my life remotely reflect the discipline displayed of a Michael Phelps? Paul said it best “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I read that Christ is coming soon, he will reward us and make all things new. But sometimes it is hard to believe the podium will come and “hard work” will pay off. To answer the question I asked earlier, I think people like Phelps attract us because deep down inside we cherish the discipline and belief it took to get to the prize which seems immediate. We wish that Christ could be as real and tangible as that gold medal. The reality is he is, but like so many who quit along the road to the Olympics, giving in to the rigors of the training; we need not grow weary in the belief of our King who says “he is coming soon”.