Photo credit: U.S. Army Korea via Flickr
There's no denying how these athletes made it to the Olympics: they worked really, really hard. While many of us were sitting back, these athletes were making the long, steady climb to the top of their sport.
And the benefit of their discipline is obvious; they're breaking world records in Sochi and we gather around our televisions to cheer on their achievements. They inspire us.
So here's my question: why don't our faith communities make a bigger deal out of spiritually related achievements? If a friend has memorized 189 verses, we should cheer them on as they near 200! We should celebrate the person beside us in the pew who just completed their yearly Bible reading plan!
I realize that some may be quick to cry "legalism" but legalism is not about whether someone achieves or not... legalism is about one's attitude towards those achievements. Our goal is to glorify God. Our fuel is knowing we delight Jesus when we live in excellence.
Just imagine if the value of reading Scripture was as obvious to everyone as exercise and nutritious food. Sure, we're always starting diets that don't last. We persist because we really believe better food will make a difference. But how many people do you know who attempt Bible reading plans with the same perennial gusto? Let's be encouraged; God is our biggest fan, and He will gives us the strength to achieve beyond our wildest dreams.
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