The 2015 Western Summer Games have descended upon Fort McMurray, Alberta. As a matter of fact all of the Wood Buffalo Municipality will be touched by the games, as well as those far beyond this region. We wish the participants all the best as they pursue that for which they are passionate and have trained. For some athletes these games will be another step towards even greater accomplishments in the months and years to follow. Passion, preparation and participation are three essentials in successful athletic endeavours.
Passion for Christ and preparation by way of knowledge of the Bible and prayerful contemplation ready us daily as we participate in the course He has set out for us.
The Scriptures often use athletic events as descriptors of the engagement of followers of Christ as we experience the challenges and opportunities of living out His will for our lives. Passion for Christ and preparation by way of knowledge of the Bible and prayerful contemplation ready us daily as we participate in the course He has set out for us. Setting aside sinful distractions and establishing boundaries and priorities enable us to more fully to the honor God.
Paul, the spiritual athlete, used athletic terminology to strength our resolve to fully engage in the “games” that have meaning not only in this life but the life to come. “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me…but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to that which lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us…we are citizens of heaven where the Lord Jesus lives.” (Philippians 3:12-14, 20) Remember to focus!