March 2018
In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.– Romans 8:37
The 2018 Winter Olympics is now proceeding in my homeland, PyeongChang, South Korea. While I was watching the opening ceremony, I felt so sorry that I could not be there in person with my family. Anyway, whenever I watch the Olympic games, I feel so proud of all the athletes no matter the outcomes. I can’t imagine how hard they have trained for that moment!? Every moment, they might have fought with their limits in body, mind, and emotion for the game.
As I enjoy watching the Olympic games, I learned a lot of new things, especially from the Olympic Creed, Motto, and Symbol. First, The Olympic Creed is a quote by Baron de Coubertin: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part,” just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.” Secondly, The Olympic Motto consists of the Latin words Citius, Altius, Fortius, which means “Swifter, Higher, Stronger.” The motto, introduced in 1924, is meant to spur the athletes to embrace the Olympic spirit and perform to the best of their abilities. Thirdly, The Olympic Symbol is five colored rings linked together. These rings represent the continents of North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. They also symbolize the uniting of athletes from all over the world to compete at the Olympic Games.
These three things remind me of the Christian life. Although each person is different, we all are called by God to work and live together for the kingdom of God and to be united as one body of Christ. Also the goal of the Christian life is not to be in first place but to finish well according to the guidance of God. There is no life without struggle, but in the midst of suffering our faith leads us to be swifter, higher, and stronger so that we can fight well with courage and finally overcome it. Our final goal of life is not a victory on earth, but we go for the everlasting victory in Christ Jesus. I hope you remember this as we live the season of Lent.
Blessings,
Pastor Ran Yoo