The Spiritual Athlete (Guest Writer – Steve Davis)
May 18, 2011
Dear Friends,
My good friend Steve Davis has consented to write a short series for us.
I grew up not far from the route of the Boston Marathon and as a kid I would often ride my bicycle to the half way point to see the athletes make their way over the famous course toward “Heartbreak Hill,” past Fenway Park and to the finish line where one would be awarded a laurel wreath. It was an awe inspiring event watching Bill Rogers and other world-class runners compete while tens of thousands of spectators cheered them on.
In ancient times, the city of Corinth hosted the famous Isthmian Games where athletes from all over the world would come to compete in events ranging from boxing matches to running races. Unlike the Olympics which were held every four years, the Isthmian Games were held bi-annually and historians tell us that they were so popular among spectators that a truce (Gk. ekecheiria, which literally means “holding of hands”) was announced before and during the games, to allow visitors to travel safely to Corinth. For 18 months, the Apostle Paul lived, worked and preached the gospel in this city and that means that it is very likely he was there for at least one of the Isthmian games. Based on some of the analogies Paul used in his letters, it seems clear that he watched a sporting event or two in his day. Paul wrote,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.(2 Timothy 4:7-8)
I’ve always been impressed with the confidence Paul exhibited at the end of his life – that he could know that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. But more than that, Paul confidently asserts that there is a crown of righteousness to be awarded to all who long for his appearing.
Shortly after my wife and I were married, we volunteered to work at our local Special Olympics where mentally or physically handicapped athletes competed in various sporting events. Our job was to serve as “huggers” and our only responsibility was to stand at the end of the finish line with our hands outstretched, ready to give each and every finisher a warm embrace. There were no losers that day; every athlete who participated and finished the race was a winner. As baptized believers, I often think we should all be like those children, running with joy and enthusiasm knowing that when we finish, there is laid up for us a crown of righteousness.
Jesus said, “He who endures to the end will be saved.” So how do we show our appreciation and thanks for this wonderful promise? The answer, according to Paul is to live changed lives.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope.(Titus 2:11-13)
Our thoughts, words and actions should be different today because at baptism we symbolically demonstrated our desire and commitment to put to death our old way of life. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, we fail. Paul experienced this struggle and consequently coached Timothy, his son in the faith.
Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.(1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Like a runner training for a marathon, we must train for the race we run. As “Spiritual Athletes”, we must train ourselves to be godly. As a child, I would often return home from watching the marathon and say to myself, “I wish I could run a marathon.” But as I matured, I realized that only those who diligently train for one can realistically expect to finish. Similarly, living godly lives can’t be based on wishes alone. If we want to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, we must train ourselves to do so. In the coming weeks, God willing, I plan to offer some thoughts on ways we can train ourselves to be “Spiritual Athletes”.
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.(1 Corinthians 9:25)
Have a great week,
Comments»
Dear Brother Steve,
I really liked your TFTW. Great symbolism. I liked the part about you and your wife serving as “huggers” at the finish line for the Special Olympics. I’d like to think that not only the crown of righteousness will be waiting for us but also a warm, loving and strong hug from Our Lord Jesus. With that vision in my forward looking, I desire to finish the race. Thanks again for your thoughts. They really did inspire me. Love to you and yours, Sherry Johnson
Thanks Steve, looking forward to hear more of your thoughts on training ourselves. Love and Peace in Our Lord Kim Lewin
Thanks for your comments, Sherry and Kim. Sherry, I love your straight forward thought, “I desire to finish the race.” That enduring spirit is so important. No matter what, we’ve got to never give up!
You?re a real deep thinker. Thanks for srhnaig.