Photo by: hannaspanna

What is it about Olympic competition that seems to lift the games to a level of spirituality that is usually reserved for thoughts of worship?

Why are we so moved? Is it the stories of individual athletes who have overcome all obstacles to realize their dream; the sacrifices they and their families have made; their commitment to a goal that has demanded the focus of their lives; a goal far greater than the pain of endless repetition; or the beauty of any performance pushed to the edge of perfection?

Could we intuitively be sensing the wonder of something that creates, for a few days, the illusion of a world at peace— as our nationalistic struggles shift to an environment that, for the most part, honors boundaries of fair play?

And, if the Olympic games involve all of these factors, and more, how do all of them together compare with the honor of competing not only for individual glory, but for one’s country? As the medalists stand together on the winner’s podium, and the national anthem of the victor is played, do the emotions reveal the honor of winning for the motherland?

Would it be a safe bet to see in the games a kind of nationalism and shared glory that gives a hint of what it will one day mean to have lived not merely for ourselves—but for our God, and others? (Luke 9:24)

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