There’s nothing quite like the Olympics. The excitement and drama commands the attention of the whole world.  Heroic endeavours will fill our TV screens throughout a major part of this month – and not only from the winners.

The ancient Olympics fascinated the early Christians. The sounds, the sights, and the noise grabbed people’s attention. Not surprisingly, when looking for visual aids for their preaching about following Jesus, they chose images from the Games. Running the race; pressing on to the end; striving for the victor’s crown; they all came from the sports arena.

St Paul loved to compare his life to a race – but it was more of the Marathon or the 3,000 metres Steeplechase than the 100 metre sprint! To get to the end demanded endurance, agility and stamina – qualities readily found in those who were (and are) determined to serve Jesus to the end.

Little has changed over the centuries. The Christian life is still a hard obstacle course. When we’re tempted to give up, Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on him for our encouragement. When we stumble and fall, he picks us up and sets us on our way again. And when we continue faithfully and steadily, he commends us as his good and faithful servants.

Sadly, I can’t offer you a medal of gold, silver or bronze – but the good Lord has a victor’s crown awaiting everyone who runs the race faithfully to the end.