Did you get to tune in to any of the recent summer Olympics?  Even if you weren’t glued to your TV, it would have been difficult to escape the continuous stream of updates and coverage of the various medal-winners that popped up every time you used the internet within the last couple of weeks.

While I didn’t catch every moment of it,  I absolutely loved the artistic swimming competition.  The level of skill that it takes to do gymnastic-style moves while holding your breath and staying perfectly in-sync with your teammates is mind-blowing to me.

Given the fact that I resemble a piece of driftwood anytime I’m in the water, I am just in awe of the incredible feats that these high-level swimmers can perform.

But, that kind of talent and skill is universal in the Olympics.  These athletes are the world’s best of the best, regardless of the event.  They have spent countless hours, months, and years of their lives preparing for this moment when they hit the world’s stage. 

We cheer, we applaud, we respect and admire, and, at times, wish we could be just like them.  We become starstruck as gold medalists are catapulted into global celebrity status on the heels of their incredible wins.

We see the victory, the honor, and its accompanying glory yet fail to sometimes remember the blood, sweat, and tears that it took for those athletes to make it to that Olympian level.

Those gold medals came at a cost. 

Good was traded for best.  It may have been friendships that were sacrificed at the altar of training.  Perhaps it was family meals or special moments that were temporarily traded for competitions and travel.

Whatever the case may have been, a price was paid in order to be the best.

I wonder how many times we, as Christ-followers, are truly willing to pay that kind of passionate price for eternal gold?

Are we willing to invest in the years of behind-the-scenes intentionality it takes to get the strong marriages we say we want? 

Are we willing to make that call or send that text in order to develop and foster the godly friendships and community we say we need?

Are we willing to study and practice the life, disciplines, and rhythms of Jesus in order to become more holy like Him so the world would see and know His love?

The dedication, sacrifice, and commitment it requires to cultivate these things (and so much more) is essential, not optional.

Is it worth it?  Absolutely!

And, rest assured, there are prizes to be won and awards to be had – if not in this life, then in the next.

“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.” (I Corinthians 9:24-25 MSG)

What’s eternally important to you today that can be pursued with this gold-medal passion?

Until next time, Grace and Glory!