‘Nike’ the famous sports company, was founded by Philip Knight a middle distance runner from Oregon University. Philip took over, ‘Blue Ribband Sports’ and turned it into the Nike empire. His annual sales now exceed 10 billion dollars. ‘Nike’ comes from the Greek word which meaning ‘to be victorious’. This word is often used in the Bible to describe victorious athletes competing in the Olympic Games founded in Greece.
Writing to the church at Corinth St. Paul said in effect, “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes. Everyone runs but only one wins – you run in the Christian life in order to win! All athletes exercise strict self-control. However they only train in order to receive a fading wreath, you run for an eternal reward! Although work-outs in the gymnasium are useful for this life, a disciplined Christian life will make you fit not only for your time on earth but also for eternity.” [ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ] & [ 1 Timothy 4:8 ].
The Bible shows us how we can enjoy a life of victory over our evil thoughts, words and deeds that make us feel ashamed but these will ultimately leave us standing condemned before God. The Bible tells us we must take off these heavy clothes of sin in order to run with patience the race before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the founder and finisher of our faith. Jesus never lost sight of His heavenly reward. He even endured the agony and shame of the cross for us but now He sits victorious at God’s right hand having conquered death! [ Hebrews 12:1-2 ].
When we receive this living Saviour into our hearts, He gives us peace instead of worry and ultimately an eternal home in heaven. No wonder that for nearly 2000 years Christians have been singing, “O grave where is thy victory?” [ 1 Corinthians 15:55 ] What a victory!
