Elite Athletes Encounter Godنموونە

The need for self-discipline

Pater Dr. Bernhard Maier SDB (Austria)
Former Austrian Olympic- & Paralympic Sports-Chaplain

Pater Bernhard Maier is a passionate ambassador of the fascinating side of sports. Sports can be a school of values that all people understand. It foremost requires great effort to realize one’s goals. Secondly one has to understand to respect and accept one’s own personal boundaries and capabilities. Thirdly, one has to resist the temptation to immediately give up after the first complication or problem. Fourthly, success and defeat is a part of life that one has to learn to succeed without becoming arrogant and humiliating their opponents. And one has to learn to accept the defeat, bearing in mind that it’s not beyond repair. But true success lies in having given your best. Fifthly, at competitions, it’s about following the rules and agreements to meet the athletic partner with that respect. 

According to Psalms 15, the Austrian ski jumping team went and got its strength and blessing at the chapel service for the many challenges that elite athletes were faced with during the Olympic Games 2010 in Vancouver. This particularly applies to disabled elite athletes. 

The Bible says, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;  whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”

Action Step

God also wants to encounter YOU. Invite the Holy Spirit to read the bible passage with you and expect that he will speak to you. Trust that God will show you the steps you should take in your own life. Ask Him for strength and courage to follow his voice.