The Glory? Yeah, it’s not Mine.

London, one of the most amazing cities in the world is the host of the 30th Olympiad and if you’ve been watching, you know history is being made. It seems as though the Olympics make us all bond a little closer within our own countries, if only we would let our faith have the same affect on us! Anyway, we’ve witnessed “firsts” of all kinds. Be it Michael Phelps of the US men’s swimming team becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time or Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee sprinter from South Africa making it all the way to the semifinals of the men’s 400-meter sprint, spectators are having new names to remember. After making themselves noticed through grand performances many athletes are quick to shine the light on themselves , but one 2012 Olympian is even quicker to point to the Artist, not the athlete.

Gabby Douglas, a member of the US women’s gymnastics  team, is a very vocal Christian. After becoming the All-around Champion she was quickly interviewed by NBC and that is when she really let her light shine. When asked if winning was everything she though it would be she replied, “It is everything I thought it’d be. Being the Olympic champion, it’s definitely an amazing feeling and I give all the glory to God. And it’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me.”

The entire world heard that.

In the middle of her victory, she turned the attention to God and let herself fade into the background. We should be taking notes from that. Psalms 115:1- “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,because of your love and faithfulness.” If you keep swimming in your own glory you’ll drown. Give God the glory He deserves.

 

 

2012 Olympics

Every four years the world turns on their televisions to watch the impossible unfold. They gather to watch the nations compete for the most coveted titles that exist in the world of athletics, they gather to watch the Olympic Games. The best of the best go head to head to represent the country they call home. The athletes train and prepare so that they can give their land a good name.

As Christians we are a lot like those Olympic athletes. We train in our faith by reading God’s word, spending time in His presence and going to church. Then we are to go out into the world and bring the lost and hurting to the One who heals all wounds. We stand before the whole world as representatives of God himself.

When you see this:What do you think of? America, right?

The same goes for all who claim Christianity. When the world sees you, they will associate you with God. It is our responsibility to live in a way that glorifies God and represents Him well. The Olympic games  set the biggest stage to show your best for your country and the world around us is the biggest platform to share the love and redemption God has to offer.

Don’t forget what colors you wear, just as the athletes boast their country’s flag all over their uniforms, Christ is written all over you. Live to bring glory to Him. “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” – Romans 11:36