Australia is doing really well at the Commonwealth Games, we’re sitting pretty at number one followed by England and India. For those who are following the games, there is always that harsh reminder that in the end, there can be only one winner. Only one person (most of the time anyway) will walk away with the gold. There is only room for one at the top. This seems to fly in the face of what many young children seem to be learning in schools these days- where everyone is a winner. We hope these poor kids are not being set up for disappointment when they grow up! Or until the next regional meet anyway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But still, we are reminded at the games that there are more things in life than winning gold medals. Firstly, everyone who is representing their country is already a winner. They have been chosen by their country to compete. What an honour! Then there is that wonderful ideal that everyone has a fair go when it comes to winning. Each country can send a representative for any event and everyone (in the Commonwealth anyway) has an equal opportunity to duke it out at the qualifiers.
The dedication of those sportsmen and sportswomen is also very admirable. It goes without saying that each of them have made sacrifices to be where they are today. No doubt each athlete has a strict regime of training and diet. It is highly unlikely they go on benders over the weekend.
It is interesting that the Bible has numerous athletic metaphors. The writer of Hebrews had this to say, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV). What are you willing to give up to win your prize?
All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at pastor@pmbc.org.au
