I’ve enjoyed watching some of the XXX Olympic Games being
held in London, England this week. My
favorites so far have been the 6-person volleyball, gymnastics, swimming and
diving. Michael Phelps has been in the
spotlight for everyone this week….breaking the all-time record of medals won by
a single individual across several Olympic Games. He now has 22 including 2 bronze, 2 silver
and 18 gold medals.
There was quite a bit of talk about Mr. Phelps ability early
on when he actually placed 4th…out of the medal contention…in an
early race. Had he lost his edge? Was age starting to creep up on him? Was he psyched out by the competition? In later interviews, Michael himself admitted
that he did not train as long or as hard as he had for previous
competitions. In the waning swan song of
his swimming career, I think that is the heart of the matter. He has nothing more to prove. He’s already the greatest swimmer, and
arguably the greatest Olympian of all time having won more metal than anyone
else in modern history.
A few years ago my wife and I had the privilege of attending
a concert by the legendary band, “The Eagles”.
These guys created some magical music throughout the 70’s and 80’s but
eventually broke up over internal disputes and did not sing together again for
nearly 15-years. I have a live DVD of
their first reunion concert together.
Having seen them in person along with my wife a few years later, it
struck me how comfortable these guys were with each other. Their musical talents on a variety of instruments
combined with their vocal renditions of songs both old and new, made me realize
the importance of achieving a level of comfort in your work.
An Olympic athlete. A
musical group. A man at work. All three have one thing in common. They each require a level of practice, hard
work and competency in order to achieve success in their craft. Once you reach the pinnacle, and have the
material blessings and accolades of the world, what point is there to continued
struggle for further perfection?
The Bible teaches us to, “Do your best to present yourself
to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who
correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) NIV
Another passage says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all
your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” (Colossians 3:23) NIV
Finally, “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 strike a blow to 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) NIV
Whether working towards our Olympic goal, musical
perfection, worldly ambition, or a heavenly crown, we have an obligation to our
creator to do everything in honor of Him, not ourselves. In this way we are recognized as humble
creatures that look for our reward beyond what man is able to give us on this
earth.
Hard work, humble grace, and constantly striving toward the
prize that awaits us is what truly makes us good, decent and honorable people
in the eyes of God. So, my counsel is to
always do your best…even if it comes easier with practice. Your life will be enriched in the process.
Papa Chief
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