Like so many others, I spent some time last Sunday watching the closing ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The music, dancing and special effects were truly as impressive as the opening ceremonies.

Of course, the opening ceremonies had a glitch when one of the five Olympic rings did not open as it was supposed to. One part of the closing ceremony that seemed to be much appreciated was when the floor was made to appear to be an ocean. Then hundreds of individuals convincingly represented schools of fish swimming. At the very end of that particular “show” the fish formed the Olympic rings. They, in a sense, spoofed the glitch of the opening ceremony when the fifth ring did not form – looking exactly like the malfunctioning ring of the opening ceremony. However this time, after a short while, the last ring did open and the crowd appreciated the reference. The Russians acknowledged their initial mistake and went on to correct it for the closing ceremony rather than ignoring it and pretending it didn’t happen. Likewise, we too should acknowledge our mistakes and then go on to make all needed corrections. Christianity endorses that concept. We are commanded to repent, which means to change. Of course, we must accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that grants forgiveness to us all. Furthermore, we receive the Holy Spirit, which enables us to overcome and undergo spiritual transformation in our lives. Just as the Russians had to innovatively acknowledge and correct the problem of the opening ceremony, we, too, have to give great thought about what changes we need to make to emulate the Christian ideal. Then, we have to practice those ideals daily and, in so doing, improve them more and more. The New Testament uses many references from the original Olympic Games as a template of how we should live the Christian life. We must press on in our great and wonderful calling as described in Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians:9:24-27[24]Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.[25]And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.[26]I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:[27]But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. and Hebrews:12:1-2[1]Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,[2]Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.. These verses implore us to continue to “run” toward our spiritual goal. Just as athletes need coaching, Christians also need coaching. Check out our booklet, Tools for Spiritual Growth. Or, if you prefer, you may request a free hard copy. Anthony Wasilkoff