Four Reasons for Christians to Enjoy the Olympics

          Have you ever been in another country during Olympic season? Four years ago, while they were setting things up in Beijing, I was in a small orchestra in Romania. We were playing concerts (including, ironically, an ensemble piece I wrote in Koine Greek) in smaller cities and preaching the Gospel. I came home to the States and cheered as Constantina Tomescu won the gold medal in the women's marathon and took a few victory laps with the Romanian flag.
          Along with that, my wife has done mission work in London, as is thrilled to see the Olympic Games return to England. So I thought it'd be fun to think of a few reasons to, as Christ-followers, enjoy the Olympics.


1) Honoring God's Ingenius Design. It may be awhile before an artificial intelligence can get a perfect score on the balance beam or get a gold medal in synchronized swimming. Reminds me of God's glorious Creator-hood.

2) Honoring Stewardship and Perseverance. Most-to-all Olympic athletes have been good stewards of the physical condition of their bodies, gifts of the Creator God, refining them (sometimes painfully) to their near full capability. Reminds me of sanctification.

3) Honoring Effective Coaching. No Olympic athlete gets there by him/herself. Parents, trainers and coaches selflessly invest in them. Reminds me of discipleship, shepherding and leadership development.

4) Honoring Community over Rivalry. Just like Miami Heat fans and Chicago Bulls fans try to unite to cheer on the U.S., the Olympics are a chance for the world to come together and celebrate diverse unity. Reminds me of how Christ's children across the globe are to love one another and their neighbors, beauty and warts included.