I hope you’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics as much as I have. What a thrill to see all the top athletes from around the world represent their country on the biggest stage and compete in 329 events in 39 sports during an intensified, short time frame. As a former swimmer, I loved seeing Katie Ledecky make history with her ninth gold medal and win the 800-meter freestyle race for the fourth straight time in the Olympics. Her dominance in the 1500-meter freestyle was mind-boggling! She has separated herself, becoming the most decorated female Olympic swimmer in U.S. history. Simone Biles has been incredible to watch in gymnastics. She’s set herself apart as one of the greatest gymnasts ever, winning four more medals in Paris and bringing her total to eleven. It’s astounding how this 4’8” woman can jump twelve feet in the air while doing her extraordinary floor routine! It was also amazing to witness Noah Lyles distinguish himself on the track as the fastest man in the world after he secured gold in the 100-meter race. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler once again distanced himself from the competition on the golf course, this time winning a gold medal after a course record-tying 62. Regardless of the sport, this is what gold medal winners do: · Set themselves apart. · Distance themselves from the competition. · Distinguish themselves. · Separate themselves. Ultimately, as they compete in the Olympics, these elite athletes stand out while the world watches. As followers of Jesus, there is a parallel to our lives that we can be encouraged by today. First, when we surrender our lives to Jesus and receive grace and salvation through faith in Him, we become set apart. 1 Peter 2:9 (TLB) tells us, “…for you have been chosen by God Himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” We still face the competition of evil as Satan and certain people try to take us down. That’s why we must “distance ourselves” to avoid getting caught or trapped. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (TLB) implores us to “Keep away from every kind of evil.” Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Similarly to Olympians, we strive to “distinguish ourselves” by living holy lives that differentiate us from the world and who we used to be. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT) explains, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children.“Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” Lastly, in any sport that involves a race, winners must “separate themselves” instead of staying back and partnering with an opponent. Comparably, 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT) says, “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord…” Let’s be like gold medal winners today and stand out while the world watches. Let’s live holy lives set apart and distinguished…and with grace and love, distance and separate ourselves from anything or anyone preventing us from thriving in the race before us. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER:Heavenly Father, thank you for making me holy because of Jesus. I pray I will live a holy life as I follow You during the race before me. Please show me how I need to separate myself from anything or anyone holding me back. I desire to live a distinguished life that is pleasing to You. Thank you for calling me out of darkness into marvelous light. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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