Light the Fire Within
CBN.com - Under a layer off freshly fallen snow, America officially opened the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City Friday night under the tightest blanket of security the world has ever seen for a sporting event. But as the star spangled evening faded into history, this nation, which has endured a harrowing four and half months since the September 11th tragedy, breathed a collective sigh of relief.
One could not help but be swept up with patriotic pride as a collection of athletes, policemen, firefighters, and notable Americans carried the tattered remains of the American flag that flew over the World Trade Center the morning of that fateful attack into the stadium to commence the Opening Ceremonies.
The remnants of Old Glory served as such a wonderful metaphor for what this nation represents. We may be torn, faded, singed in some areas, and even knocked to the ground, but there is an overwhelming sense of resilient urgency to pick ourselves up, dust off, and continue to move forward. The entrance of the WTC flag spoke volumes to the world as to the moral fiber of which America is comprised.
Despite all the pomp, pageantry, and panache that the Opening Ceremonies serve up in large quantities, I am always most interested in the simplest element of the entire festivities: The Parade of Athletes. It is an opportunity for the entire playing field to be leveled for one evening. No country is better than the other. There are no favorites. There are no losers, only winners. It is a chance for each athlete who has sacrificed the better part of their entire lives in pursuit of a unified ideal to bask in the glory of their achievement even if it is only for one night.
Unfortunately, within hours of this lifetime achievement there is often a jolt back to reality for many of these athletes. When the games officially begin there is a sobering return to a seemingly mechanized class structure.
I cant help but think of the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team when pondering this idea of athletic exclusivity. They must have felt like kings as these tropical citizens of the world proudly entered the Opening Ceremonies of the Calgary Winter (not summer) Games. Why? For they had overcome all odds to even qualify for an event dominated by nations from much colder climes. But as the Games unfolded they must have felt like second class Olympic citizens as their bobsledding brethren quickly established themselves as favorites, contenders, or also-rans. For the Jamaican bobsled team there was a special category: the "why did you even show up" category. However, the Jamaicans through hard work, determination, and a blazing dream, eventually earned the respect of the Olympic world by never giving up despite the odds.
It is hard to believe, but many churches battle with class structures. To illustrate, there is the age-old tale of two people who have decided to attend your church for the first time. One is a well-known doctor in town who drives a nice car and has a reputation of being compassionate to others in a charitable manner. The other new person has also developed a reputation in your community: the reputation of being unemployed, an alcoholic, and occasionally homeless. As a parishioner of that church who do you naturally gravitate towards? Without question, you lean toward the person who makes you feel the most comfortable. For most that means the doctor. But why cant these two people, both of whom are obviously seeking God, be treated equally?
They can.
In the New Testament book of James, the writer denounces favoritism. In an effort to uphold the teachings of Jesus, he points out that Christ ministered to all types of people including lepers, outcasts, poor people, rich people, women, and Gentiles. He did not care about who they were or what their plight was in life. He only cared about spreading the message of Gods love.
In
it says, "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, dont show favoritism. Fast forwarding to verse 8 "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."The Salt Lake Winter Games theme, "Light the Fire Within" was intended to represent the celebration of the human spirit and the inspirational power of the Olympics. I believe it can serve as a reminder of our responsibility as Christians. Our fire from within must be lit to live our lives as true Christians. To be true to God our Father, we must live our lives as the Scripture intends. And that is to make sure the "playing field" is always level.
About The Author
