As the spectacle and contests of the 1996 Summer Olympics proceed, we are reminded of some aspects of our discipleship.
All nations involved
During the opening ceremonies, much emphasis is given to the fact that representatives from virtually all nations are assembled in peace and harmony. The differences are overcome by common interests and objectives.
That very situation is common in the household of faith. In associating with believers, all sense of their national origin and race is lost. Even differences in language, while they certainly inhibit conversation, do not bar us from a warmth of fellowship and mutual love.
We thrill at pictures and news from the mission field as we learn how many nationalities are rejoicing in the hope of the Truth. And we can recall many a fraternal gathering where we all enjoyed loving fellowship. It was only after, when we saw a photo, that we realized from the world’s standpoint what a racially integrated group attended. The differences so completely disappeared during our time together, we entirely forgot such was the case.
Even a language difference, though it can never be ignored, yields to our common convictions. On one occasion, we were able to follow the gist of an exhortation given in Spanish although all we knew were the topic, the verses as they were referenced and about 1% of the vocabulary. In another situation, we were able to enjoy an exchange on Thomas’ exclamation, “My Lord, and my God.” A brother was trying to serve as translator, but he soon fell behind the Central American brother and us as we turned up passages, pointed at words and shook our heads in agreement or dissent.
The best in the world
Barriers to professionals competing in the Olympics have been dropped in many sports; this means generally speaking, the best in the world are there. That’s an idea we may have trouble relating to the household because “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble” are chosen by God (I Cor. 1:26). Yet He has chosen members of the household before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).
Many of the Olympians showed promise at an early age and have been carefully coached for years. But that is nothing compared to being selected before the world began. What could God possibly have seen that attracted His attention to us?
He saw the potential for faith: “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith…” (James 2:5). Faith is the key to all the qualities God wants in His Olympians.
God wants spiritual wisdom, which is much more than factual knowledge — it is knowing how to apply His principles in difficult circumstances. Such wisdom comes by unwavering faith: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men liberally and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:5-8). While available to anyone, this wisdom will only be experienced by those who are unwaveringly committed to God’s way. They do not doubt whether to serve themselves or God; they want to serve Him even in the most difficult circumstances.
God wants obedience to His principles. Such obedience comes through faith: the worthies of old “obtained a good report through faith.” By faith they obeyed God, not knowing where they were going. By faith they forsook the treasures of this world and endured “as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11). In Hebrews, faith has the sense of an absolute reliance on the existence and integrity of God. There is another aspect of faith that is also critical to spiritual performance of Olympian standards: “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith [‘the faith of us’ is the literal Greek]. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:4). The faith — a belief in “the Truth” — is an aspect of faith that makes obedience possible.
God wants rulers for the world to come who believe in His principles, His judgments and promises. While He will supply the power and necessary wisdom, we must willingly give Him a heart of faith and commitment.
Faith is the key. The elect may be ordinary in other respects, but not in their potential for faith. This is the quality God has seen in everyone He has chosen; this is the quality that gives them the potential to become the best in the world for the eternal purpose of God.
Everyone looks fit
As we see closeups of the athletes, we are struck by how they all look to be in excellent condition. Even the largest weightlifters, huge of girth, look in the best of shape for their event. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (I Cor. 9:25) comments Paul..
To perform properly in the calling of God, the believer must also be fit. He must have a grasp of scripture, being able to call it to mind as occasion requires. His concern for others must be such that he is willing to adjust his schedule to accommodate their problems and emergencies. His compassion must run deep so that he will dip into his savings to help members of his spiritual family. He must have the self-control needed to overcome powerful temptations and to keep from retaliation. He needs the patience to press on when troubles begin to mount.
Such excellence of condition comes only with practice and more practice. Time must be spent in Bible reading, meditation, prayer and practical service if the necessary attributes are to be developed for the day when they are fully tested.
Looking to the prize
Intense training is only possible if one has the goal firmly in view. Hope of winning and fear of losing provide motivation for the athletes.
The apostle gives this a spiritual application: “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (I Cor. 9:26-27).
In our spiritual Olympics the training never stops, for we are called to be disciples until death or the return of Christ brings our participation to a close. With such a long-term activity, it is absolutely vital we keep always in mind the joy set before us, lest we grow weary in our determination.
The glory of the prize
There is great joy on faces of the medalists. But some find the glory is fleeting. The story is told of one diver who trained from the age of 10 until he won the gold. He dreamed of the fame and riches to follow. But nothing happened: no endorsements, no interviews, not even the fame of being known when he appeared in public.
He was devastated.
There will be no disappointment in the glory, honor and immortality given to the faithful. As the apostle says again: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” He continues in words that suitably summarize our sentiments as we consider the pageantry and games of the Olympics, fascinating though they may be: “[For ourselves] we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Cor. 4:17-18).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One