The world recently returned home from the Winter Olympics in
Sochi, Russia. During the event, extensive media coverage constantly preached
the value of competition, striving to be the best, and pursuing your dreams. Yet
I wonder how much of this message is truly God's plan for us. Were humans
created to become focused on one dream - to be the best - at the exclusion of
all others things in life? What about God's dreams for us? Competition can be
healthy, of course, so long as it promotes teamwork and develops character. However,
the majority of serious Olympic athletes suffer from stress, anxiety and even
depression, which the media fails to report.
We are selfish beings by nature, and our constant
self-awareness and self-preservation clouds our view of what is really going on
in the world around us. That's why Romans 12:2 is so crucial to memorize and to
take to heart every day: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good
and acceptable and perfect will of God." Did you catch that last part?
The perfect will of God. It's really all about Him. Creator God is the only
true active force in this world, and us created humans are meant to be responsive.
Not active, not passive, but responsive. The key to everything is this: “not
that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation
for our sins." (I John 4:10)
This is such a foreign concept to our modern way of thinking.
For me, I like to remind myself regularly that we as the church are the bride
of Christ, and meditate on what that really means. In Jesus' day, the groom did
everything to prepare for the wedding. He not only pursued the bride, but also
made all the preparations for the wedding and for their future home. The
bride's job was to wait and be ready when the groom called for her. So
it is with us. You may not feel that God is moving in your life, but continue
to remain faithful and trust Him. As His bride, He is actively pursuing you,
defending you and preparing you for what He dreams for you to be. He knows your
every need and always has your best interests at heart.
Still feeling lonely and fearful? Remember, God is also the
Creator of relationship. He formed the mountains, trees, and the air we
breathe, but His favourite creative work is people, and bringing them into
relationship with Him and with each other. Marriage, family, and community are
what cause His love and glory to shine brightest; not even the most magnificent
sunset can compare. Once we focus on unity, instead of competition, will we
start to approach the target. We work best as a team.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed watching the Olympics,
and celebrating each gold medal! But let's not forget the Lord's desire to see
us live united together, humbly responsive to His love.
Ruth-Ellen W.
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