THE OLYMPIC GAMES

The Olympic Games probably began about 776BC in honour of Zeus, one of the greatest Greek gods.  The name Olympic comes from Mount Olympus meaning heavenly, in Thessaly north of Greece, the supposed dwelling place of the gods.   The Apostle Paul had no time for these false gods but he did admire the tough, disciplined training of the Olympic athletes even though all they could win was a fading crown of laurels.  In contrast, those who live a disciplined Christian life would receive, “A crown of glory that does not fade away.”  [ 1 Peter 5:4 ] 

Paul described his own Christian lifestyle like this, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  [ Philippians 3:13,14 ]  Paul seems to picture himself in a chariot, bent over the curved rail against which the charioteers knees were pressed, and with the reins round his body as he stretched out over the horse’s back.  In such intense pre-occupation, a glance behind would have been fatal!

To drive home this point Paul pictures Christians being watched by a great cloud of spectators looking down from heaven.  He encourages these competitors to, “Lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”  Just as athletes remove heavy clothing, so Christians must cast off every sin and “Patiently run the race that is set before them, looking unto Jesus.”  [ Hebrews 12:1,2 ]  To look away from Jesus is fatal.  The only way to win the Christian race and to hear God say these wonderful words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord”, is to keep your eyes on Jesus! [ Matthew 25:21 ]