Spiritual Applications From The Olympic Games

The first Olympic Games began in Olympia, Greece, in 776 B.C. It began with a 600-feet foot race which, according to literary traditions, was the only event for 13 centuries. Some sources say it might have started even earlier.

This dating places the Olympic Games several hundred years before the time of Jesus and the writing of the New Testament. It also means that the 600-feet foot race was going on at the time which the Apostle Paul wrote the words in 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?” There is probably no way of knowing if this is a reference to the Olympic Games, but it should not be ruled out.

What is important are the spiritual applications. The following verses say, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Indeed, the Bible has much to say about running a race of endurance with discipline and focus, in relationship to one’s spiritual walk. It has been said that the Christian life is like a marathon, keeping our eyes on the finish line. Hebrews 12:1-2 aptly states, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

Dr. David Jeremiah writes, “Too often today, Christians are content merely being in the race rather than diligently paying the price to win…Every Christian should strive to win, just as the victor did in the Grecian Games.”*

Something else that Olympic athletes do is focus. As Christians run the race, let us look to Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith.” May each of us say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

What are the things which distract us or weigh us down in the race? The problems of life, poor health, financial struggles, sin, addictions, the lust of the flesh, etc. We must know what our mission is as Christians and stay focused on it, through Bible reading and prayer. Our “goal” as believers should be to glorify God and do our part in spreading the love and grace of God to an unbelieving world. If you have a spiritual gift God has given you, stay focused on it. Stay focused on the truth of the gospel. Galatians 5:7 says, “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

Lord, help us all as Christians, to run with endurance to the finish line of our faith. Let us all be “Olympic champions” for you. Amen!

*Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, Hatchette Book Group, 2019, pg. 1538