Not being the greatest athlete in history, as I have mentioned previously; I never acquired a desire to be the guy to “break the tape”.
Playing soccer was enjoyable, but I have to admit that I was not the first guy picked on the team. With that much out of the way we will move on.
The Olympics are not my priority to view. While I admire the accomplishments of the athletes, and wonder in my mind how in the world they accomplish the things that they do the necessity of training and discipline required makes me ask again and again, “How in the world can they keep that goal with such intensity for the duration that is necessary?”
The walls of our home are already bedecked with so many “reminders” of goals and accomplishments, that the space needed for a gold/bronze or silver metal would be out of the question. I must admit that those with a scriptural thought are predominant.
The opening of Hebrews 12 is probably the highest point of that Book! “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
It is obvious that the limitations on clothing, which would be a hindrance on any persons accomplishments is probably the first thing we notice. I am made to understand that even the material of what is necessary is taken into consideration. In the swimming they noted the position of the foot as they launch into the water can be pivotal.
When a person makes a decision of commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, the work of “putting off and putting on” can be challenging. Our desire to keep Christ first and foremost means discarding many of the hindrances to a love for the Lord.
We now desire to uplift the Christ of Calvary, and in so doing, some of the things are harder to leave behind than others.
One of the goals of every “competitor” in this Christian Race for the gold is to keep their eyes on the Savior. Roger Bannister said that when he heard John Landy edging abreast of him; he glanced sideways, and that momentary glance cost him that race.
Lord! Help us to keep our eyes on the “author and finisher” of our FAITH – JESUS!
-Ted
ETCetera 