Journey to the OlympicsSample
Biblical Motivation
Devotional:
The need for motivation is universal. Whether it is getting out of bed or finishing an assignment. Sometimes motivation comes easy but at other times, it is hard to get and stay motivated. One would think that in Olympic sports, the motivation is pretty simple — to win the gold! But true motivation goes deeper. Experienced Olympian Tiidrek Numre talks about the source of his motivation.
Tiidrek has identified a very important Biblical truth. You cannot serve two masters. As motivated as he may be to win a gold medal, if that becomes his ultimate motivation, it will fall short. Or worse, if as Tiidrek says, "you compromise values and cheat to achieve a prize." True satisfaction comes in the total pursuit of serving Jesus. And this principle applies to every area, no matter how small it seems. Even the most simple tasks in life can be done in a way that honors and serves Jesus. That is the purest motivation we can have. To hear the words of Jesus say, "well done."
Live It Out:
- Apply: If someone was to observe your life for 24-hours, what would they say motivates you? This can often be observed by how we choose to spend our time.
- Pray: Pray that each athlete would be motivated not by the world, but motivated by Christ and the command to glorify Him.
About this Plan
The journey of an athlete to the Olympics has many parallels to our journey to a closer walk with God. Paul uses the comparison in his letter to the church at Corinth where he mentions a runner's pursuit of a prize. This plan features the stories of Olympic athletes who compete with Biblical guidance. Their pursuit of a gold medal is based on trusting God, not performance alone.
More