Go for Gold!

The Paris Olympics 2024 kept us glued to our TV most evenings. Steve and I are sports lovers, and there was plenty to love. The gymnastics competitions found me at the edge of my seat as American athletes faced stiff competition from all around the world. Brody Malone improved with each performance. Stephen Nedoroscik, aka Superman, sealed the bronze medal for the US men’s team with his pommel horse routine. It has been sixteen years since any US men won a medal in gymnastics.

The women’s gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, secured gold at the Olympics, and the athletes thrilled me with their talent and positive attitudes. It’s official—Biles is now considered the Greatest of All Time by extending her record to ten medals won in three Olympics.

Consider how hard these athletes train to compete for and win medals in various sports. They are seeking something that no one can take away from them—an Olympic medal. In four years, another athlete may win that medal. Those who won medals at the Paris Olympics will always be winners, though not many athletes win multiple times.

Living God’s way may be compared to competing in a race. First Corinthians chapter 9, verses 24 and 25 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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.”  

One way we may show people around us that God is real in our lives is by going for another kind of gold—living out The Golden Rule. In Luke 6:31, Jesus sums it up: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” He tells us in verses 27-30 to love our enemies and do good to people who hate us. He commands us to bless people who mistreat us and give to everyone who asks. It may seem like a big ask, but by God’s power in us we may show love and mercy to the people the world tells us to hate. After all, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” verse 32.

Jesus gave His life and rose from the dead three days later for a world full of sinners, including us (John 3:16 and Romans 6:23). If we want to go for gold that will last, have faith in Jesus. Later in the Luke 6 passage, Jesus promises, “your reward will be great…” Eternal life with Him is the shiniest golden prize anyone could ever gain, all paid for by our merciful Savior.

Show Jesus’ love to everyone, even people who don’t like you. Give to anyone who asks. Trust the Lord to help you shine His golden light by showing love and telling others about God’s love. He promises the greatest reward that never ends—eternal life with Him. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Let’s go for Gold!