More Than Gold • 3

For a non-swimmer like me, watching the action at the Olympic Aquatic Center is always fascinating. I mean, I'm amazed that they can stay afloat, let alone how fast they go! (I always describe my swimming style as "rock-like.") To watch the likes of Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky as they compete against the other "best of the world" is fascinating.

I actually found myself holding my breath last night as I watched first Ledecky then Phelps swim for gold. I have no stake in the race, other than they represent my country. And yet, I was on the proverbial "edge of the seat" (while reclining in my living room) as I watched them swim. When it was all over, and I began to breathe again, how great it was to see the satisfaction and joy on their faces as they received their gold medals.

And yet, as soon as it was over, I thought again about how I had reacted. To a race in which I had no personal stake. To a race which, for many people, will not matter the next day. To a race which, certainly, had no eternal impact. Records come and records go, gold medals are given out and achievements are recognized, as they should be, but in the long run, what about this race matters? In a few years, both Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky will be on one of those "where are they now" TV specials. Or Dancing With the Stars.

Here's my point: we are in a race all the time, Paul says. Not just every four years. Every day, we are in a race for souls, seeking to win them to Jesus. How many of us sit, breathless, on the edge of our pews and await the presence of God in worship? How many of us truly get excited when one dear soul trusts in Christ? How many of us are in this race with our all? Or are we like the spectators, excited about the race but having very little personal stake? The outcome of this "race" does matter because we are in a race for eternity.

"Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24). And the prize is worth far more than gold.