After years of practice and countless hours in the gym, one slip and the gold was gone. One itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie mistake and the prize goes to someone else. Such was the outcome for U.S women gymnasts Dominique Dawes and Shannon Miller in the 1996 U.S. Olympic Singles Competition. Both of them were at the top of the leader board with more than half of the competition over. Both of them crossed over the line in the floor exercise and the judges docked them. They dropped out of contention and the medals went to their competitors.
Think about the pressure. Think about the job the judges had as they watched for perfection and subtracted points when perfection wasn’t attained. Think about the gymnasts. Nothing less then perfect is acceptable. One little blemish results in discouragement and frustration.
Then think about Christianity. Think about how some have set themselves up as judges rather than staying down as sinners in need of redemption because of their own failures. Think about yourself. How hard are you with your own imperfections?
God’s idea is that we NOT participate in Olympic Christianity. Jesus is the only one who can score a perfect ten. God’s idea is that we participate in His grace, brotherly love, encourage one another AND OURSELVES as we head for the gold medal…heaven. God’s demand is not that we be perfect, but that we be faithful.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Mike