By most accounts, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was a success. According to the International Olympic Committee, there were a total of 878 medal events across individual and team disciplines and a combined total of 5,084 medals awarded at Olympic and Paralympic Games. The medals were unique in the fact that each one contained a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower. A great piece of history and a great story to tell in each one. Along with those stories, there are still new ones coming out of the games. According to a report from the International Olympic Committee, more than 100 athletes have complained about their medals now looking nothing like the ones they received last summer. The bronze medals specifically, show visible signs of crumbling, staining and surface wear. One athlete joked that their 2024 medals look like relics from the 1924 Paris Olympics - the last time the French capital hosted the Games. According to French investigative outlet La Lettre, a defective varnish seems to be the reason for the degraded appearance of the medals. The varnishes were switched as the old one reportedly contained chromium trioxide – a powerful oxidizer that happens to be a carcinogen. The IOC has apologized, saying “will find replacements.” https://www.sportbible.com/other/olympic-medals-returned-paris-2024-update-703819-20250121
As Ricky Bobby said, “If You Ain’t First, You’re Last!”™ (used with permission by Ricky Bobby, Inc.). I know there is “nothing wrong with silver,” but in this case the bronze medalists did come in last. Cutting corners never pays in the long run. This whole story is a great reminder of what we are told in Scripture about earthly treasures. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus challenges us to realize, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
But perhaps this most ironic passage is found in 1 Corinthians 9. Using an Olympic example, Paul reminds us that ALL the awards on earth are perishable. Only those that await us in Heaven are imperishable. His challenge then is for us to work each day for those types of rewards that we do take with us and one day lay at the feet of Jesus!
It is amazing how God can use the little things of our world to point our attention toward Him. Let this story be a reminder to us all concerning the things that really matter in our day to day encounters.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
As Ricky Bobby said, “If You Ain’t First, You’re Last!”™ (used with permission by Ricky Bobby, Inc.). I know there is “nothing wrong with silver,” but in this case the bronze medalists did come in last. Cutting corners never pays in the long run. This whole story is a great reminder of what we are told in Scripture about earthly treasures. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus challenges us to realize, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
But perhaps this most ironic passage is found in 1 Corinthians 9. Using an Olympic example, Paul reminds us that ALL the awards on earth are perishable. Only those that await us in Heaven are imperishable. His challenge then is for us to work each day for those types of rewards that we do take with us and one day lay at the feet of Jesus!
It is amazing how God can use the little things of our world to point our attention toward Him. Let this story be a reminder to us all concerning the things that really matter in our day to day encounters.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
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