Let the Games Begin!

This medal is a reminder of something very important that is happening right now. Can you guess what it is? That's right! The Olympics. Athletes from all over the world are gathering to compete in every kind of sport you can imagine. Soccer, swimming, diving, gymnastics, track, tennis, bicycling and many more. These men and women in the Olympics train very hard in the hopes that they will win a medal. In each event only one team or one person can win the top prize. All of the athletes worked very hard, but there can only be one winner.

The Bible says that life is similar to games such as the Olympics. The Bible says that everyone who competes in the games goes into very strict training and works very hard to win a prize. Some people compete in the game of life for personal gain. Perhaps they do it so that they can become famous, or be very popular, or to make a lot of money. The Bible says that their prize will not last. Some people compete in the game of life and work very hard because they love Jesus and want to bring honor to Him. The Bible tells us that they win a prize that lasts forever. In the Olympic games, there can only be one winner, but in the game of life, we can all be winners if we live for Jesus.

Lord, help us to play the game of life in such a way that we will bring honor to you. Help us to remember that the victory comes from you -- not from ourselves.