There is this feeling of joy from victory of sporsmen at the Olympics - and this feeling is difficult to explain. For example I (Yuriy Voroshilov) have never had anything to do with any of them, I didn't even know their names - until they were announced right before the Games started - but when they win medals, it really makes me excited! And I'm sure I'm not the only one who is happy about the victories of the sportsmen.

Wondering about the reasons why I feel so happy for the athlets who win, I realized that I am actually glad that heir very hard work of preparation for the competition eventually brought them victory! But as I keep thinking about it, I feel a little sorry for them.
You'll probably ask me: "Why?"

And as a reply I will ask you a question: "Do you remember the names of the winners of the 2nd Winter Olympic Games? Or maybe you remember the winners of the last but one Olympics?". Neither do I...

Everything in our world is so fleeting and perishable, that our achievements bring us not only joy, but also sadness - resonating with the words of the wisest king Solomon: "For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die!" (The Bible, Ecclesiastes 2:16)  

But despite everything, athlets are an example of hard work - and not only for me. For instance, Apostle Paul says: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified" (the Bible, 1Corinthians 9:24-27)

Apostle Paul doesn't call us to take an example from slackers! To illustrate diligent, hard and dedicated work he points at athlets.
But at the same time, even then Paul noticed that the wreaths sportsmen receive are perishable. That is why he tries to attract our attention to the "everlasting winner's medal", which can be received in the end of life by those who, like athlets, live purposefully for the Lord.  God will give them the imperishable wreath, the eternal medal - eternal life with Him.

Be inspired together with me by the exaples of the sportsmen, celebrate their victories and remember, that the most important thing in life is to be the winner of  the "God's Olympics". 

If you don't know God personally yet, if you are not "on the team of His faithful athlets", let Jesus Christ enter your life - and become such an "athlet".

Here you can read about how to do it -->

See also:

- The Best News! Do you know already? God loves you! 
- What will happen in the end of the world? | Engravings for the Book of Revelation | 29 Illustrations