What the Olympic Games Teach Us About Spiritual Training

Olympic Skater

“Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

(1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV)

Chances are you watched some of the Winter Olympics this month. The Milan-Cortina Olympics earned the strongest Winter Games broadcast ratings in over a decade.

I’m fascinated that these games originated in ancient Greece in 776 BC. The most famous of the inter-Greek games were held in Olympia, Greece. Today, the Olympics are regarded as the world’s premier sporting event, featuring thousands of athletes from over 200 countries.

Apostle Paul often used sports terminology in his metaphors. He wrote about running, boxing, and wrestling, using technical terms known by those trained in these sports, leaving some scholars to believe he was a skilled athlete.

Physical Training Matters

Athletic training was certainly a sign of discipline and strength during Paul’s time. Today’s science informs us that adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise is essential to good physical health. The Bible teaches our bodies are a gift from God, and taking care of and respecting them is a worthy pursuit (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

Spiritual Training Matters More

In the Scripture below, Paul noted the value of physical health while also emphasizing that while physical training is important, on its own, it is not enough.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

(1 Timothy 4:8 NIV)

What does Paul mean by godliness? Godliness is about centering our hearts and minds on God’s purpose and desires. It requires spiritual training.

Physical training strengthens our bodies through repeated biceps curls or squats. Spiritual training strengthens our faith, trust, and relationship with Jesus through reps of prayer, studying Scripture, and walking in obedience.

Spiritual training prepares us for eternity, but it also transforms how we live today. So, as Paul wrote, let’s run our race, fight the good fight, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Prayer: 

Father, thank You for sporting events to enjoy. Following sports gives us something to read and think about other than world news. They entertain, inspire, excite, and give us hope. And while it’s okay to enjoy them, remind us we find genuine joy only in You. Help us guard against giving our full heart to anything else. May sports teach us to press on, to train spiritually, and to remember yours is the ultimate crown we strive for. Amen.

More Sports Metaphors from Apostle Paul

• “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called   

   me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

• Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

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•  “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

• “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

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