GOLD MEDAL

Matthew 16:26

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

It has been the greatest Olympic games, the press unanimously declared. From the opening ceremony, to the games itself where a lot of world records were broken, and up to the closing ceremony – it can only be summed up into one word – phenomenal! However, there were charges of cheating in some of the “judged” sports. Even in the opening ceremony, China admitted using a computer-generated fireworks as seen on TV and a little girl doing lip-synch because the original girl is not that good-looking. But, for China, it doesn’t matter. What matters most is that the Olympics looked good at its grandeur.

Unfortunately, we cannot say the same when it comes to our spiritual lives. We cannot just make ourselves look good from the outside and still expect to be with God. We must yearn for more than the earthly medals and reach for that greatest gold medal that is Jesus Christ. The “gold” that Jesus is talking about isn’t simply a medal; it is the priceless life of living eternally with God in heaven. And, it doesn’t come to us cheap. It means for the Son of God to suffer and die so that we may live in Him. Still, we suffer today because of the decisions we have made – opting to gain the whole world and forfeit our life in heaven.

Jesus’ expectation is clear when He says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The gold medal that the Lord is offering is not cheap. Belonging to God is not cheap. Being loyal to Him would not come inexpensive because anything of great value costs so much. Fortunately, He already paid for it. And all we have to do is to forfeit all our worldly cares, then put our trust in Him, love Him and follow His ways. Winning gold costs – but does it matter if that gold medal equates to heaven?

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, More than anything, help me live in a close, personal relationship with You, knowing You better and yearning for the gold medal that You are offering. May I come near You and teach me what it means to live in Your love, searching for You with all my heart, and finding You finally through my Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen +

My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God.