Eternal Gold

To the athletes who have given body, soul, and mind to be the best in your field: It's our honor to care for your spirit for the next 30 days. "All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally." -- 1 Corinthians 9:25, MSG

I love the word convergence. At its simplest definition, it is when everything comes together. It is when the intense training, dieting, education, mentoring, and timing all come together. The goal is clear; the goal is simple. It's what every athlete hopes and prays for. That their converging moment will result in the prize!

The challenge, however, for the Christian athlete goes far beyond the prize. Their ultimate recognition is not where they hear the national anthem but where they hear the voice of the Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, NIV).

They understand the reality of their present race, event, match, or game--while at the same time, never losing sight of the greater race. The greater race does not converge around five circles but a crown of thorns. It is a race that started the day we were born. The victory was determined the day Jesus died and rose again. The finish line is crossed in heaven when we see Jesus face-to-face.