The Olympics.

It should be an event that unites the world in a healthy spirit of competition and camaraderie. There are innumerable stories of heroism, compassion, and good sportsmanship. However, every Olympics always has sinister political, religious, or cultural undertones. The 2024 Olympics is no exception. Russia was banned from participating because of its war against Ukraine. One Muslim judo competitor from Tajikistan refused to shake the hand of his Jewish-Israeli opponent after the completion of the match, protesting the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. An Algerian boxer, a biological male but competing as a woman, defeated a hapless Italian woman opponent, after she withdrew 46 seconds after the beginning of the match, fearful for her life, stating that she had never been struck so hard in her entire career. 

The Olympics mirrors our world. We view amazing feats of athleticism and courage and appalling actions of hate and cowardice. What should the Christian’s response be to this? Applause? Scorn? Indifference? Once again, God gives us His answer through His Word.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

We live in a fallen world. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are commanded to be the light and salt to everyone. We bring hope, not by attacking or denigrating others, but by learning from the world and seeing it through the perfect lens of God’s Word. When we do this, God will transform and renew our minds so that we may serve Him in His Kingdom.

The Olympics mirror our world. It does not have to be our mirror. Thanks be to God He gives us a perfect reflection of who we should be. We are children of the living God, Jesus Christ.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.