Olympic Lessons for the Workday
By Rob Genin, YBL Executive Director, Birmingham
The 2024 Olympics are upon us. I love the Olympics and the wide variety of talents on display: swimming, diving, wrestling, judo, archery, gymnastics, boxing and more. My favorite is track and field, especially the running events. I ran in high school and college, and I have learned much from decades of distance training. Here are two observations that connect with our work:
Observation #1: Hard work is worthwhile–when we do that work for God.
The apostle Paul used a footrace as a picture of a greater contest:
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. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul says that running is like following Jesus. It requires discipline and self-control, focus and effort. He also says that running is unlike following Jesus, because running prizes do not last. Distance training can produce health and fitness for a time, but our relationship with God and how we live in obedience will make a difference forever. During the US Olympic trials, I saw a gifted hurdler who was once a world champion. She is in her forties now, and she was so far behind at the finish she was out of the camera frame. While just being there was an accomplishment, it was also a reminder that physical prowess does not last – spiritual efforts will. We are called to be faithful disciples of Jesus, to love and serve people and witness for Jesus with the same tenacity and focus as an Olympic runner.
Observation #2: We are not running alone
“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 run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Hebrews 12:1)
This text from Hebrews comes after a long list of faithful men and women who followed God through great challenges. The God-inspired conclusion of that powerful list is this – because we have seen it done, let’s run with perseverance too.
Roger Bannister was the first man to break the 4-minute mile. Many said it was impossible. Yet, after he did it, a dozen more men did it within the next ten years. We learn from and gain confidence when we see others accomplish challenges. We can also be a model to give hope to others.
For years when I ran, I would push and focus on the road and my pace. These days, I am learning to keep my eyes more open, to be encouraged and to encourage those around me. If we stay together, we can help each other keep running and finish with honor.
We help each other. We also have the amazing promise of God that His Holy Spirit is with us – “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). Jesus sent His Spirit to live inside us and strengthen us – this is where we find the resources to encourage each other – because God has first encouraged us.
Conclusion
I hope we can enjoy the Olympics and learn from them. Running can teach us the value of persistent effort; God calls us to use that effort not to win fading glory, but to build His Kingdom. Running also reminds us of the need to help each other keep going. God’s Holy Spirit is with us – and will see us through the finish.
See you on the road!