I wrote these thoughts down a while ago, right after the 2014 Winter Olympics concluded, but never got around to posting it. Procrastination…
As I was watching some of the Olympics this year, one particular truth stood out to me. Over and over in news reports and commercials was this running theme that it takes a whole network of people to get an athlete to the Olympics. If you watched the (Canadian) Olympics at all, you probably saw this commercial (at least 20 times):
I like how this commercial inspires a sense of pride and community. When an athlete performs well, I'm sure he is proud of the work it took to get there, but I am also sure it is more satisfying to share that victory with all those who supported him for his journey. What is the point of winning an Olympic gold if there is no one to celebrate that victory with?
The same is true in our walk of faith. When we enter the Christian faith, we are joined by millions of others – those alive today and those who passed on long ago – who are running the same race and who are cheering us on. We are designed to do this life together.
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2
In general, I think that human beings do not like being dependent on anyone. We long to do it ourselves. This is why the message of the gospel is so revolutionary. We can't do it ourselves. We need grace. We need a handout that we do not deserve. And we must put aside our pride to accept the freedom that Christ has made available to us. Only when we accept the grace of God can we really experience life to the fullest.
We are called to model this grace to each other as well. It is very humbling for me to accept the free gifts of others – gifts I do not deserve. Whether that gift is in the form of encouragement, support, prayer, wisdom, or finances, I am very grateful for the community of believers around me. I know that my experience on the WR can only become more meaningful as I share it with others.
