gold

I love watching the Olympics.

As I watch the gymnasts spring backward on a 4 inch wide beam, without a hand to guide them back, as the swimmers pull through the waters with powerful grace, as the divers jump off from a 50 feet height spinning in disciplined grace, as the runners fly around the track, their legs spinning in a blur I start picturing the dull, arduous hours that they spent doing push-ups, pull-ups, stretching, running, weight-training, doing that same routine over and over again to iron out any wrinkles. They continue to beat their body into submission to their will making, training their muscles to be a little bit faster, have a little more endurance, hold a little more control.
I love imagining all that endurance and faithfulness (probably because I lack so much of it).  I love feeling with them that sense of accomplishment that is the reward for all their hard work.

But I hate watching the interviews.
When asked about her plans for 2012, Shawn Johnson replied, “But after coming here and having this Olympic experience — it’s a dream come true. I put my heart and soul into this and won a medal. I’d give anything for that feeling again. If I can compete in 2012, I’ll be there no matter what.”
Talking about how Michael Phelps connects people’s faces with a story of his encounter of them, Michael Phelps’ mother recalled the incidence of one of Michael’s old bullies congratulating him for getting into the Olympics in 2000 at 15 years old.  He had pretended like he didn’t know who his applauder was.  Confused his mother said, “Michael, you know him.” Michael replied that he remembered how he was bullied at a swim meet by him, and didn’t want to acknowledge him. Michael’s mother’s reaction was not of correction, but “That was really mature of him! At 15!”

Giving us an insight of what motivates him, Phelps spoke of the slights and insults that he plays over and over again in his mind to fuel him.  “It makes you want to prove that person wrong.” Ian Thorpe had said of Phelps, “I have said I don’t think he will win eight gold medals. I don’t think he will.”
“But mind you, if there is any person on the planet who is capable, it is him. It’s sad, but I just don’t think it will happen.”

Phelps said he put that article in his locker and looked at it every day for 6 months. All the more he wanted it, to prove someone wrong.

My heart ached for them.  It must feel nice to win gold, to have accomplished something with sweat and by winning that fight with your body.  In the end, though, what does the gold satisfy? An everlasting lusting for satisfaction that can never be satisfied.  When their bodies get old, and they are no longer the nation’s idol for athleticism, when they are no more than history on a page (tremendous though it may be), what do they gain in the end?  Their interviews revealed their ever striving to satisfy the fleeting lusts of their heart: a feeling – vanity, proving someone wrong – pride.

The gospel becomes so bright when held in contrast to the cheap glimmer of perishing gold.  Comparing myself to these amazing athletes is pretty shameful.  I don’t work as hard as they do, and a lot of times my body wins the battle.  I look up at them with appreciation and for inspiration to work hard to take hold of the prize.  But my prize is different.  It is not the facade of fame which covers up a broken life with glitter to make it look shiny; it is not the feeling of accomplishment that satisfies for a short moment, only to leave an unsatisfied lust for something more; it is not gold to buy nice things.  I press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I was not purchased with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the most precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I walk, recalling to mind His righteousness, which reveals just how sinful and insignificant I really am. I will persevere, ever keeping my eyes upon His grace, remembering the wretched state from which He saved me.  I keep my eyes low, my heart rejoicing within me, reflecting upon the unfathomable greatness of His love.