Centennial Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Christian to Christian How appropriate for the
Winter Olympics to fall during Lent!
I’m a big fan of the Olympics. I
watch almost every evening – often staying up past my bed time to see the
amazing feats of such accomplished athletes.
I’m also a big fan of Lent as a special spiritual season for
Christians. I always select one or more of the classic disciplines in the Bible
and in Jesus’ own life to stretch my spiritual muscles for these 40 days. The Olympics are great
this year, even though plagued by warm
weather and mishaps including the tragic death during luge practice.
There are always problems to overcome in any Olympics, and there is
usually some controversy either politically or in the judging.
But that’s part of the challenge of this athletic contest that hones
the skills of the athletes. That’s what the Olympics and all athletics are
about, showing enough determination and discipline, in the face of whatever
stands in the way, to excel in their sport. I marvel at Lindsey
Vonn, who overcame a severely
bruised shin to win gold in the downhill and bronze in the Super G.
Anton Apolo
Ono overcame a near fall on the
ice when a competitor laid a hand on his back to still win bronze in short track
speed skating. He now has 7 medals, surpassing Bonnie Blair for the most of any US winter
Olympian. Shawn White was spectacular winning gold
in the half pipe with his fabulous “McTwist!” Bode Miller came back from a disastrous
run in the last Olympics to win skiing gold silver and bronze in three events. Meryl Davis
and Charlie White just won silver in ice dancing
with their awesome beauty and precision together on the ice.
And that’s just a few of the US athletes, not to mention all the
fantastic competitors from other nations as well!
It’s all about
discipline and determination— practice, practice, and more
practice. Yes, there is native
talent, but it would be nothing without honing that skill over and over again
with rigorous work, even when it’s hard, even when it hurts, even when it’s
dangerous. That’s what Lent is
about, too. It’s about taking on the necessary spiritual discipline to excel
in our faith, to grow stronger in our spirits, to develop our spiritual muscles
in a way that draws us closer to God. It’s
taking the faith God has given us and building it to gold! Lent is our faith
training, even against the challenges
the world throws in our way, even when it hurts, even when it seems too
difficult. Lent is getting up and
going at it again as we stretch and hone our souls, as we discipline ourselves
spiritually to achieve the goal that Christ wants for us.
As Paul says, “I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith. From
now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the
righteous judge will give me on that day.” (II Timothy 4:7-8) I hope you will choose
a spiritual discipline this Lent – an extra practice of
prayer, fasting, Bible study, giving, or Christian service.
I hope you will draw inspiration from the Olympic athletes, from strong
faithful Christians, and from Jesus Christ to “run with
perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and
perfecter of our faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
Will you meet me at his table each Lord’s day to be fed and
strengthened for the journey? May Christ’s Strength Grow in
You! Pastor Joe
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