The Olympics captivate millions of viewers worldwide, but for me, the Winter Olympics hold a special appeal. Perhaps the speed of events like downhill skiing, luge, and speed skating is what makes them so exciting. Add in the complication from the environment being cold, slippery, and unpredictable- it is a recipe for dynamic viewing. That element of danger adds to the overall pursuit of each competition. Even figure skating is engaging, although it is not always the first choice. I recognize that I couldn’t jump and spin on solid ground, yet these world-class athletes can perform a triple-lutz and land it perfectly.
These events showcase a fundamental element of the human condition: our relentless pursuit of a goal. Each one of these athletes spends years honing and sharpening their skills for the spirit of competition. Years spent waking up early, practicing, training, and failing. In many instances, we see the culmination of their quest end in either joy of achievement or the dismay of disappointment, taking only seconds to complete. They do this all for the pursuit of their individual sport.
This pursuit of improvement echoes Paul’s message in his letter to the church in Philippi, where he urges believers to keep refining and growing, never giving up.
Philippians 3:12-14 CSB – 12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Though Paul is assured of his future prize—the crown of life—he still pursues it with the intensity of an Olympic athlete. We should embrace this same tenacity, recognizing that the pursuit itself is what matters. Like these athletes who compete to better themselves and set standards that inspire others, we should constantly strive to improve our personal best.
The veteran athletes are particularly inspiring—those who have competed before, yet whose desire has not wavered. Even after winning gold, they return to compete again, willingly putting their bodies and health on the line in pursuit of ever-greater achievement. They are not satisfied with what has been; they want that future goal, and they are always reaching forward.
We should embrace that same desire. Though I know my heavenly home is secure and Jesus has paid the price, I want to be better for Him—better than I was yesterday, striving tomorrow to set another personal best. For Jesus, I want to strain, reach forward, and press on toward the goal. I want to go for gold.