Let's run to win!

I don't know if you've ever had the opportunity to attend a 'Special Olympics'. These are athletic events for people who have some type of intellectual disability. Thousands of participants from all over the world come together every year to compete healthily in these athletic events. It is interesting to note the joy these Olympics bring to the lives of people who are often looked down upon by our society.

For many of the athletes who participate in these sports activities "winning" does not mean reaching the finish line first or beating an opponent. On the contrary, "winning" in these competitions often means helping a teammate cross the finish line, celebrating the reunion with old friends or even getting confused in a hug with a member of the opposing team. Witnessing the effort, dedication, and camaraderie of athletes who are often labeled "disabled" will undoubtedly transform your perceptions of life.

Interestingly, in Scripture we find several passages that use sports metaphors to describe the Christian life, (Hebrews 12: 1, Philippians 2:16, Galatians 2: 2, 5: 7, 2 Timothy 4: 7). My favorite sports metaphors are found in 1 Corinthians 9:24:

"Don't you know that those who run in the stadium all really run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way that you win!" ⎯ NBLH

When it comes to our Christian life, we don't run to run. We race to win! However, we do not win the race of faith by traveling a distance faster than the others. The Christian wins when we help others to reach the goal, which is Christ. We win when we overcome selfishness to embrace the dispossessed. Above all, we win through the celebration of the victory of Jesus, who destroyed the powers of evil and death on the cross of Calvary.

As for people with disabilities, I invite you to join the effort of the All Ability ministry, which encourages the inclusion and participation of people with functional diversity in faith communities. Our congregations "run to win" when we recognize that "the members who seem weaker or less important are actually the most needed in our churches" (1 Corinthians 12:22). Feel free to join this effort.

So let's run with patience, but above all, let's run to win!