The Apostle Paul seems to have been a sports fan. He likely followed the ancient Olympics, just as we follow the modern Games. In several places, he compares the Christian life to sports. He speaks of people who strive for mastery of various things, as one would strive to excel at Olympic events. He speaks of not wanting to become disqualified. And, writes of how all run, that one may attain the prize, and tells us to run that way, though we shall all obtain that prize.

How should we do that? Obviously, life is not totally about athletics. In fact, Jesus Christ cared deeply about the handicapped of his day, those who couldn’t do much physically. It is, however, a valid comparison, as we consider the things anyone can do, and the things to avoid, as well as the ultimate goal of life.

First, we see that people strive for mastery. The Bible is telling us to work at obtaining the qualities of a strong Christian, as though we were trying to make it into the Olympics. This is vital, because we have a great adversary, the devil, who is constantly going around seeking to devour people. We must put on the “whole armor of God” each day, and practice doing that constantly. Ephesians 6:11-18 tells us about that – the faith, righteousness (not our own, but Christ’s), and so on which allow us to stand. It’s just like one stands at the podium to earn that medal.

Not everyone can do everything. But, everyone can work on the fruits of the Spirit, for instance, in Galatians 5:22-23. By cultivating those, one can grow to be more and more like Jesus, which will allow others to see His goodness in us. And, we can do those things, to the best of our abilities, that mark a good Christian – reading the Bible, praying, giving (time and talent, as well as money), fellowshipping with other believers, witnessing of what Christ as done for us, and so on. Not everyone will be great at first. But, everyone can work on those things some, to the point where they get better each day.

We must, however, not cut corners, Paul warns of not wanting to be disqualified. This can happen in two ways. First, a person could be disqualified by cheating. Think of a runner in the marathon skipping a few miles of the course. They never really finish, and if they train that way, that shortcut means they won’t be as effective. They can also simply fail to meet the necessary requirements. This means they wouldn’t even be able to enter the competition. It would be like an ice skater who never practiced with the music he or she wanted to use. When they try to qualify, they would be so out of sync they wouldn’t get anywhere close to Olympic entry.

Both are seen in the problem of Christians who won’t grow spiritually. They trust Jesus to save them, but ignore the Holy Spirit calling them to improve. They have no limitation that keeps them from giving, or prayinbg, or reading the Bible, or anything like that. They just pay too much attention to the world. Some even fall into sin that harms their own team, like a hockey player who just goes around picking fights with teammates instead of just sitting back and letting them play and try to win.

Finally, Paul advises that – though we shall all obtain the prize – we should focus as it we wanted to finish first.

This verse is not saying to be prideful. It’s merely saying that one must put one’s whole focus on himself or herself, and not pay attention to how others are doing. It doesn’t matter if someone else is pursuing their calling in a different way, or how well they are doing at it. Yes, we must stand fast against sin. However, we should not put such emphasis on others that we ignore our own walk with Christ.

So, how does one become an Olympic-style Christian, and get the most out of life. First, one must commit to those things that draw us near to God. Yes, the Bible says that He who hath begun a good work in you will complete it. It’s His job to guide and direct you. However, let’s say you’re walking a dog. What’s easier? When that dog is well heeled and walks right with you? Or, trying to walk when your dog is pulling after a squirrel or something in the totally opposite direction? Of course, it’s the first one. We need to stay close to God, so it’s easier on us and on Him. This is why Paul warns us not to quench the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is how He guides us toward a Godly path.

We must not let our path become one of self-righteousness, nor let it become a path of sin. Either one can cause us to become disqualified for that race. It might mean a lost chance at some blessing or reward, or it might mean that God will nto hear our prayer because we regard sin in our hearts. It will never mean we lose our salvation, but imagine the shame just as getting to Heaven, and learning you could have done so much more with what you had. That you wasted your life on things that never mattered. That, in itself, would be horrible, and is the reason Paul was so concerned.

Because, you see, while we must keep an eye on our own running, we have the duty to be an example of Christ for others. In that way, our eyes should be all around us, even though we run the race as if we wanted to finish first.

In another respect, of course, we can’t totally run it to finish first. It’s not just because we must be humble, and give God the glory, rather than credit our own accomplishments. It’s because all receive the same crown who have trusted Christ as Savior. That crowning achievement is the eternal life which was purchased for us through the shed blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a pice which can be received by anyone by simple faith. For we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.

See, so much in life is going to disappear at the end. The only thin we take with us are souls; Jesus is preparing a place for as many as will receive Him. Everything will be taken care of up there. He just wants as many as possible to receive Him.

So, run the race, keeping your mind on the fact that to get the most out of life, you need to first of all know that you have eternal life. That’s done by simply putting your whole faith in Jesus Christ, receiving what He did on the cross as having taken the punishment for your sins. Then, trusting that He rose from the dead for you, too.

Next, your focus needs to be on things above. And, you need to cultivate those fruits of the Spirit, remain close to God through faith, prayer, and so on, and work toward telling others about Jesus so that as many as possible can join you in heaven someday. Not to get any credit for it yourself, but so that God may be glorified.

Then, if you have trusted him as Savior and faithfully served Him, He can say those words that will mean so much more than any gold medal, so much more than any anthem at a podium. He, the Creator of the Universe, the one by whom all things consist, can say to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” That is better than any medal – hearing Him tell you that you did a good job.

That’s the way to get the most out of life. It’s by making sure you have received Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Then, having plenty of others that you have won to Christ by planting seeds – through kindness, love, witnessing, and son on – that lead to them getting saved and/or growing closer to Christ themselves. That is how to be an Olympic-level Christian.

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