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