The Olympics start in just a few days, and I’ve always enjoyed watching the events. One of the most satisfying moments of the Olympics broadcast is when the medals are awarded. The United States will undoubtedly have several athletes who earn gold medals in their events, and when those medals are awarded, the champions will stand on the platform as the Star Spangled Banner is played with watery eyes and tears streaming down their faces. It’s enough to make a lump come up in the throat of every American.
But another thought also comes to mind. These athletes will only a matter of seconds to run their respective events. But all of them have spent countless hours of practice over the course of several years, and have traveled halfway around the world to France to compete in an event which lasts a short time.
The only plausible explanation for what most of us would consider madness is that the honor, glory, and satisfaction of winning makes all the effort worthwhile. Otherwise, no one would have the determination to work so long and hard.
Now what about the ultimate reward of heaven? Jesus said, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). That crown of life is synonymous with an eternal reward in heaven. Although the Bible tries to describe the glory of heaven in figurative language (Revelation 21-22), it’s difficult to really grasp what heaven will be like until we’re there. The only fact that we will always be assured of is that heaven will be the most glorious place we’ve ever seen.
Given this fact, does it not make sense to put all of our effort into going to heaven? This isn’t an event which will be measured in minutes, but an event that’s described as eternity. Peter wrote that God “called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:10). Paul added in 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Run in such a way that you may win.” Every Christian should think nothing of “training” by way of attendance, study, prayer, meditation, and doing good works to secure that ultimate commendation. Paul said in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Life is a marathon with heaven as the reward. Train with great diligence for that future in glory.
Kyle Campbell