An Olympic Attitude.

I have really been enjoying the Olympics this week!  I'm already mourning the thought of them being over... and, having to wait until the summer of 2012 for their return... ugh.

I think the thing that I have really enjoyed is how our country (and hopefully your country - wherever you're reading this from) has come together to cheer with ONE voice.  With all of the political drama in our country and even in my city, it's refreshing to see unilateral patriotism. No other agendas, angles or motives - just cheering for our athletes to do their best on this global platform.  We've laid down our 'party-lines' and reveled in the joys of excellence, triumph and teamwork.  We're focused on doing our best, winning the gold, being good representatives of our country.  You don't see athletes interviewed about their political affiliations, thoughts on the upcoming elections or evaluations of the war... no, we're interested in their personal stories that brought them to this moment in their lives.

Here's a thought, what IF we had such an 'Olympic attitude' in our approach to serving Christ and cheering on the soldiers of our Faith?!  Maybe we could stop allowing theological differences or worship styles to divide us.  Maybe we would be less worried about the church down the street and more focused on the lost across the ocean.  Maybe we would be less concerned about church carpet color or building design and more involved in ending world famine and debt.  Maybe we would stop being defined by terminology like emergent, missional, postmodern, traditional, or contemporary and become known by our service, love, consistency and hope! Maybe we could start cheering for the successes of other churches or leaders and stop with all the sarcastic, cynical, and woefully insecure comments.  Maybe we could ALL be focused on WINNING - yeah, defeating the devil - not the church down the street.  Maybe our gold-medal goal could be to see Jesus Christ, our Savior, King & Lord, exalted anywhere, proclaimed everywhere, and lived out all-the-time with passion & purpose... Hmmm.

One more:  maybe our over-priced conferences (more & more every year) would be less about patting each other on the back and more about kicking each other in the butt. And, that our newest ideas & strategies would come from praying more not paying more...

So, yeah, this is my Olympic dream... for our country, churches, friendships and callings. And, you know what? I think this dream is one of the devil's nightmares! 

Your Turn:

• what's been your favorite Olympic moment this week?
• are you surprised by the patriotism that has awakened?
• do you sense 'unity' above politics, economy or war?
• could this happen in the church or is my 'dream' just fantasy?
• what could/should we do, to regain our joy & focus?

livin' the Olympic'tude, Chilly

Comments

[SolShine7]

The Olympics are like summer camp they always go by too quick. Some of my favorite moments have been seeing Cullen Jones and Michael Phelps get their gold medals. The USA basketball playing China and winning. The USA softball team dominating the field. By the way, Cat Osterman (the pitcher) has a cool blog. I really enjoyed watching handball, water polo and beach volleyball. And gymnastics is always a pleaser. But the best moment of all was the ceremony opening. China did an excellent job and it's beautiful seeing all the various ethnic groups God created walk the field together.

[Anthony]

- The US men's swimming relay team "smashing" the French
- It's been very interesting watching the Chinese patriotism and how it varies depending on the sucess of its atheletes
- God has totally changed my heart in regards to politics. I am a Christian not a Republican or Democrat. If I can't see past my political views, I won't be able to minister to people with differing opinions which is not the way of Jesus
- This could definitely happen in the church. It has to start with us! The Devil IS our enemy and he still has the biggest "church" in town, but it will come down
- Pray and pray some more. I need to know God's true character and not my opinion of His character, so I have to study the Word in a deeper way as well

[stilsmalvoys]

It sounds like you're describing one of the mainline organized religions, who formerly own the market on the McChurch. Those who don't learn from history are destined to repeat it. If a few courageous people stopped buying tickets to these overpriced conferences, it could have the same effect as Christ turning over the moneychangers' tables.

[Adam Forsythe]

Mens swimming has been awesome. Well actually swimming all around has rocked.
I have been hearing people talk more about the Olympics lately, and that has been awesome.
I definitely think this could and should happen in the church. But its like you said its about prayer. Also about becoming and Acts church, not the next line of churches that has a catchy name.
highest priority is real prayer. Next i think is being taken back to the day of our salvation, everyday.
Thanks for this

[Chris Chowdhury]

Honestly, I've been cynical about the Olympics and not expecting much from it. I think I've let the things that divide us keep me divided from my country and from cheering others on... hmm.

This (your Olympic dream) is what God intends. It's more than fantasy and I believe God is changing our thinking and desires so we can be unified and stop competing within the team. I believe you're a forerunner of this, Pastor Chilly. Thanks for challenging the Church.