By Dr Peter Lim
The XXXIII Olympiad or Paris 2024 started on 26th July. At the Olympic Games, super-fit athletes from all over the world will huff and puff, grunt and groan in the hope of securing a podium finish. Alas, the majority will go home empty-handed despite achieving the Olympic motto of going “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together!” But in the spirit of the Olympic creed, the most important thing is not to win but to take part. We want to note that we are extremely proud that one of our number, Shannon Tan (golfer), is in Paris representing Singapore.
Although an Olympian is indeed a rare breed, all of us of the Christian faith are participants in another race as the writer of the letter to the Hebrews notes – “. . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). Or as Eugene Petersen in The Message puts it “Strip down, start running – and never quit!” The imagery of the Christian life, akin to running a race, features prominently in the Pauline epistles, probably influenced by sporting events such as the Ancient Olympics in Greece. Paul’s unflinching objective in life is to “finish the race” (Acts 20:24). To do so, he would have to be disciplined and undergo strict training (1 Corinthians 9:25) and not allow anything or anyone to side-track him from achieving his goal (Galatians 5:7). Thus, towards the end of his life, he was able to say triumphantly – “. . . I have finished the race . . .” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Implicit in Paul’s imagery is that the race is not a short distance sprint but a gruelling marathon. One does not have to be a marathon runner to know that it would be suicidal to sprint from the start in this event as that effort depletes one’s stamina and energy quickly, rendering one totally exhausted and unable to complete the race. Instead, the running pace has to be regulated in order to complete the thoroughly exhausting run. Like running the marathon there will be several points along the Christian faith journey when one feels like giving up. The testing of one’s faith through “trials of many kinds” is designed to develop perseverance and resilience in our faith so that we may be “mature and complete” (James 1:2-5). Similar sentiments are expressed by the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:6-7).
In the Ancient Olympics of Paul’s day, the victorious athlete does not receive a medal but only a crown of laurel or olive leaves. New Testament writers like Paul, James and John use this illustration when dealing with the subject of the victor’s award. Thus, at least four crowns are specifically mentioned in the New Testament:
“The Incorruptible Crown” (KJV) or the “Crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV). This accolade is for the Christian who lives a disciplined life. The analogy is that of an athlete who voluntarily subjects himself to the most rigid and strict discipline in order to be fully conditioned to run and complete the race.
“The Crown of Life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). Believers who endure persecution (in many instances even unto death) will receive this reward.
“The Crown of Glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Those who faithfully shepherd the flock are up for this prize. Although in the primary context, this verse is addressed to pastors and elders who nurture and provide spiritual care to God’s people, anyone who is engaged in a pastoral ministry will also be entitled to this award.
“The Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). If you long for the second return of our Lord Jesus Christ, this crown is for you. And who amongst us does not yearn for His return?
In discussing the subject of rewards, it is needful to point out that rewards are given for faithfulness and not so much for success. (1 Corinthians 4:2; and Matthew 25:21). We also want to note that in the judgment of believers it is our works that will come under scrutiny and not our salvation which is eternally secure (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Since “the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) let us adopt the Apostle Paul’s steadfast objective that “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).
“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 let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
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