Olympics, Love, and Eternity

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.  If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing"
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!  All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."
2 Peter 3:18
"Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen."  (Emphasis is mine, all verses are from the New Living Translation.)

Lord, thank You for a day to stay home with my Valentine yesterday!  You sent 10 inches of snow as a gift for us to have a 4 day weekend together!  The snow was beautiful, covering all of the brown with that sparkling blanket of pure white.  The sun and moon reflected from it and brightened the world around us.  It also made things very quiet and peaceful.  It always reminds me of Your work in my life at my point of salvation.  Your blood covered all my sin, washed me whiter than snow, gave me the peace that passes all understanding, and quieted my striving.  Thank You, Lord, for this priceless gift!  You also sent students from Liberty to help shovel us out and to have sweet fellowship with us!  Thank You for that too!

Lord, as You know, we have been watching the Olympics and it has been very evident that some countries are more concerned with bragging rights and medals then they are for the athletes who are representing their country.  In one move, a champion and hero in the men's figure skating became a "disgrace" because he had to withdraw from the individual competition because his back was so badly injured he could not go on.  This was after he had made it possible for his country to receive the team gold medal.  I find that very sad indeed.  No love was shown to him.

On the flip side of this issue, there are those who exemplify what you wrote to the Corinthians about running the race.  There have been a lot of nasty falls in this Olympics!  Some of the competitors are badly hurt, but because of their love for the sport, their own drive to win, and out of a love for their country, keep on competing.  Some know they will not be a medal contender but it is enough to be chosen for the team and being given the opportunity to compete. We have seen true humility and flagrant pride, those whose whole family is involved and those who are on their own.

In 1 Peter, You remind us that our race is not run for our own glory or the glory of our country, but for Yours!  In heaven, all will give You glory forever.  But in Peter, You tell us that ALL glory belongs to You NOW as well as in all eternity.  I cannot wait to give You glory in my life until I get to Heaven...I must live my life that way now...every moment of every day!