Good Servant

As we draw nearer to the Olympics (36 days away), our Olympians should be challenged by what are they going to do at the games. This is not only from a performance in the pool, on the track, in the rowing boat but also their performances for God whilst they are there. What impact are they going to have on others lives whilst they are there, what example are they going to be for God? This does only just pertain to the Olympians participating. This includes coaches and administrators, volunteers and spectators going to witness one of the greatest spectacles where human endeavour to achieve and put there body to the ultimate test. This also includes any of the above mentioned individuals whom may never get the opportunity to go to an Olympics however on a weekly basis apply their trades on a provincial, local and club level.

Preparation for such involvement requires many hours of dedicated training, participation and just plan hard work. Training your body is so important in the ability to achieve the desired results. However, Paul writes in his first book to Timothy a warning, one that should be taken note of. He writes in 1 Timothy 4 verse 7-8 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds the promise for the present life and also for the life to come”.

So as athletes, managers, coaches what do we learn from this verse. I learn that I need to train myself and my athletes. That this training is not only one of bodily training as it does offer value – limited however – and that the training we should be doing is one for godliness as this is where the eternal prize lies. S we need to train for these games and stick to what we are doing but there is another training we need to ensure we are doing all the time. Training for godliness!

In chapter 6 verse 11 Paul also writes “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness”. My prayer is that over the next few days (36 to be precise) for the Olympians and for those not going over all their sporting time, that we are able to pursue the traits that Paul has commanded us to pursue. Have the faith, show the love, be steadfast in our convictions and what we do, be gentle with others, do what is right and train for godliness.

God Bless

SB