Go for The Eternal Gold
“You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (MSG)
If you’ve been watching the Olympic trials to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, you may have seen history in the making. American hurdler and sprinter, Sydney McLaughlin, became the first woman ever to complete the 400-meter hurdles in less than 52 seconds. After setting the new world record at 51.90 seconds, she said her faith helped lead her to victory, “I think the biggest difference this year is my faith, trusting God … knowing that He’s in control of everything. As long as I put the hard work in, He’s going to carry me through. And I really cannot do anything more but give the glory to Him at this point.” An outspoken Christ follower on social media, McLaughlin posted, “We can sleep easier at night knowing He has a plan for whatever may normally trouble us. We can laugh at anything that doesn’t fit the purpose for our lives, because we know God’s plan is greater.”
She added, “My faith was being tested all week. From bad practices to three false start delays, to a meet delay. I just kept hearing God say, ‘Just focus on Me.’ It was the best race plan I could have ever assembled. I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything. But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal. Thank you, Father.”
The Apostle Paul had the Greek Olympic games in mind when he penned 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (MSG). “You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.”
What is the gold you are pursuing in life? God offers a gold medal that lasts eternally. All other pursuits, even when they are achieved, are short-lived. Soon the euphoric feelings of victory fade and the medals are tucked away on a shelf as life goes on. Only two things last forever. God’s Word and People. That’s why Paul continues in this passage to write: “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-26 (MSG)
Paul had discovered a purpose worth giving his life for. He wasn’t striving to be accepted but because he had been accepted by Christ. It was a message he sought to bring to the world. Today, we have that same opportunity. We can live our lives for things that will not last, or we can live our lives for Christ. Go for the Eternal Gold.