As the Olympics begin, Go Canada!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 

Hebrews 12:1 NRSVue 

 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.

I Corinthians 9:24 NRSVue

Clara Hughes. Becky Scott. Hayley Wickenheiser. 

The Winter Olympics are officially underway today and as I erranded about this morning I listened to these three remarkable women speak on CBC Radio about the thrill of representing their country, Canada. They all won gold medals although Scott initially received bronze in a race where the silver and gold medalists were eventually stripped of their awards because they cheated. 

Ruth is more enthused about the Olympics than I am yet I was moved as these remarkable women shared their memories, knowing that it took tremendous dedication and honest endeavour to reach the pinnacle of their sports. In these days of dangerous nativism and "might makes right" these three accomplished, genuine, athletes were a tonic.

There are a surprising number of verses in scripture which use the metaphor of "running the race" of faith. I don't think of my Christian faith as a competition with others. In fact, that's when religion and faith often become dangerous. At the same time I understand that faith isn't just about enthusiasm and worship experiences which are ecstatic, although both can be transformative. Sometimes faith requires disciple and stamina even when the going gets tough and discouragement makes us want to quit. 

I recall the scene in the film Chariots of Fire where the Olympian Eric Liddell, a devout Christian, read from the book of Isaiah during a worship service in Paris before he competed for gold in a race that wasn't his specialty because he refused to run on the Sabbath. This church moment was created for the film yet it reflected his remarkable devotion to both his sport and to God.

As the Olympic games begin, go Canada go!

 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

Isaiah 40:31