My family enjoys watching the athletes compete in the Olympics. The display of remarkable agility, strength, and stamina causes us to "ooh" and "aah" as we cheer on the athletes who have trained for this moment through sweat and tears. As I watch the events with my children, it's been a great opportunity to show them the value of hard work. No athlete slacks off as they prepare for the Olympics. In fact, you can see their competitiveness in their performances.
The bible claims that hard work and zeal are necessary for us to flourish. Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." As athletes persevere for the gold medal, we ought to persistently fight for doing good in this world. God also teaches us to "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord" (Rom. 12:10-11). Talk about competitive fire!
The world was never designed for us to be lazy. Although I have previously written about the importance of rest to combat the perils of workaholism, that does not mean that the bible commends a lifestyle of slothfulness. Contrarily, the bible teaches us the value of hard work and training for righteousness. So, let's go out there and outdo one another in showing honour and loving one another with fervour and persistence!
- as seen in The Delta Optimist
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