Religious Olympics

On 8-8-08 the world will focus in on the Olympics in Bejing, China. Athletes from over 100 countries (and probably that many sports) will gather to pursue to reach the top platform and embrace their personal gold medal.

All too often the Christian life can feel like a Religious Olympics. Churches can ask people to jump through various hoops, overcome world-record size expecations, and cheer people on to do better than they have ever done before. Sadly, this form of Olympics has led people farther away from God rather than to embrace Him to the degree Jesus died for us to experience.

After 15 years of ministry, I have seen many people try at following Jesus, some give up along the way, and even fewer reach the platform of the God-honoring life. why is this? I think it is because too many people, including many churches, have been engaging in spiritual games that Jesus never intended His followers to sign up for.

Our games say, "try harder"; Jesus calls us to die to self and live for what He wants.
Our games say, "look like us"; Jesus said look like Me.
Our games say, "go whatever way is comfortable for you"; Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."

I too want to stand on a podium, get the gold, and sing the anthem, but I desire to play in a much different game - the one played on the court of Jesus Christ. The podium I shall stand on is the podium of praise to be a megaphone for the greatness of God; the gold I shall gain for doing anything in this world I shall throw back in worship to my Savior that granted the ability, and the anthem I sing will be accompanied by my teammates of the faith: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and is and is to come."

May That Game Begin in You...