Every four years since 1896 (interrupted only by World Wars I and II), the world's best athletes have convened to take part in the quadrennial spectacle known as the modern Olympic Games. As the thousands of participants strive mightily to excel under the Olympic motto of "citius, altius, fortius" ("swifter, higher, stronger"), they are cheered on by a huge audience in the stadium, and nowadays by a far larger audience on television (estimated in 2004 at 4 billion). This worldwide spectacle brings out the best efforts of the participants—as well as many judgments, both positive and negative, by the spectators.
What lessons can we gain from this two-week sporting extravaganza that so captivates the world's interest? One valuable lesson is that the spectator and participant play differing roles— and that the whole enterprise could not exist without participants. As we shall see, this is a vital lesson for us as Christians.
How often have we seen that a spectator is more likely to be judgmental and condemnatory than a participant? An Olympic athlete who makes even a minor mistake will often draw hostile boos and other expressions of disapproval from the onlooking crowd. An athlete who makes just one serious mistake may find that any previous successes and earlier displayed skills are quickly forgotten. The arena is an unforgiving forum.
Similarly, when we as Christians strive for success in our efforts to live godly lives, we experience firsthand many difficulties, disappointments and setbacks. We see our brethren experience similar trials. Do we criticize them the way one might criticize an athlete who has stumbled in a performance? Or do we recall how we, too, have felt when we have stumbled, and extend love, support and encouragement to those who are treading the same path as we are?
Unlike those in the world, who might criticize us, we know the resolve that is needed to overcome and to grow. How, then, can we justify condemning or criticizing others' faults and shortcomings? Remember Jesus' great illustration of one who finds fault with the speck in his brother's eye, while unaware of the plank in his own (Matthew 7:1–5). The Apostle Paul, too, who suffered grievous persecution in God's service and lived robustly the role of participant, offered a salutary warning to those who might, as spectators, sit in judgment (Romans 2:1–11).
The participant makes a far superior teacher than the spectator. All teachers must master their subjects before they can effectively teach. There is no better method for mastering a subject than being involved "at the coalface"— being the participant. Merely acquiring academic knowledge of an activity is no substitute. Only by having been a participant can a tutor convey the full passion and innermost intensity of stretching for achievement. In the Kingdom of God, we— today's participants—will be the teachers and leaders in reeducating the world (Isaiah 30:20, 21; Revelation 20:6). Priests are teachers (Leviticus 10:8, 11; Ezekiel 44:23). Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, as our Intercessor and Judge, brings to His office His experience—His participation— of having been in the flesh (Hebrews 4:14–16).
The participant grows in stature and prowess as he trains and practices. With daily discipline and reaching for a higher goal, we may excel—even to the point of setting new records. Paul compares our efforts at growing spiritually with an athlete giving his best (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). The parable of the minas (Luke 19) clearly tells us that those who do not put their assets to work gainfully (as participators), but rather conduct passive lives (as spectators), cannot expect to succeed. Scripture records that God wants His family to be made up of overcomers (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Jesus instructs us to strive to enter in at the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13, 14), not merely to watch others pass through. Many who see themselves as "home and dried"—who think they have done just fine—will be shocked to discover that their mere lip service will not grant them admission to the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:25–28).
What we say must be backed up by what we do. A participant's testimony and opinion carries far more weight and credibility than a mere spectator's. Authors and lecturers know well the value of being able to recount examples from real life and historic events, rather than only theories. Travelers who have visited remote and exotic places can hold an audience spellbound with tales and photographs of firsthand experience, much more readily than can one who has acquired only secondhand information. The heroes and heroines of the Bible's great "faith chapter"— Hebrews 11—will be able to make powerfully compelling points from experience during Christ's coming millennial rule. Paul's approach in preaching was to perceive his subject from the standpoint of his audience (1 Corinthians 9:19–23), knowing that in all probability he had experienced the same trials and h a d t h e s a m e problems.
Like Paul, we can all look to our personal experiences for examples that we can later draw upon, which will animate the advice and opinion that may be sought of us, and which will allow us to speak with conviction and reliability.
Remember, our actions and conduct are quietly observed and noted by more people than we think. The man who habitually deals with honesty and integrity in business is rewarded with profitable trading, and shows the way to others who have eyes to see. Wise King Solomon had much to say on this matter (Proverbs 11). The woman who acts with decorum and femininity is held in higher esteem by the discerner, as emphasized by the well-known "Proverbs 31 woman." The youth who values chastity and good conduct stores up a better future. The writer of Ecclesiastes ruefully adds his endorsement (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10).
All too often, people nod in agreement with these values, but compromise them in their own practice— or disregard them where upholding them might cause unpopularity and material handicap. "Do as I say, not as I do" is, sadly, too often the hallmark of many in society. We will be profitable servants of God and Christ in tomorrow's world, and effective witnesses for the Truth today, only if we have been through the refiner's kiln, and have done as our Savior has taught us to do. We are being spiritually purified now, if we determine to participate in righteousness.
British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, of World War II fame, was a leader renowned for not asking anything of his troops that he would not do himself—or that he had not once done. The result was a remarkably high degree of loyalty from his soldiers. Once, inspecting a parade ground of decorated veterans, he enquired of the circumstances in which each earned the medals worn on their uniforms. Reaching the last man, he explained that he too had earned all the citations displayed by the others, and that a single badge worn by the old warrior before him was the only one on display that day that had eluded him.
As Christians, we cannot participate in the wars of this world. We are fighting a spiritual war. But we can learn from Montgomery's example; he understood the importance of being a participant, not merely a spectator. By contrast, many other generals have failed to inspire their armies to prevail in battle—and the results have been demoralization and ignominious defeat. Through privilege of birth and safe positioning well behind battlefront lines, they failed to win the hearts and loyalties of those they were given to command, and they did not understand the misery and peril of combat. A leader cannot inspire followers and motivate them to succeed by words and theories alone—he must be a doer, as well (James 1:22–27).
As Christians, then, how can we ensure that we are fulfilling the role of participant and not merely of spectator? In our everyday lives, we are presented with innumerable instances that allow us to participate in helping others. By spending a little time with those who are burdened, we can encourage them. When we return to enquire how they are doing, we may thoughtfully bring a little help. We can pray for our brethren in their trials and plights. We can empathize with people from many walks of life, especially if we have had similar experiences. We can listen to those for whom society has less time. We can enquire after people's wellbeing and send messages. We can give support by just being there for people. Such participation in people's lives can make all the difference. Jesus said that as we do these little things in the right way, it is as if we are doing them for Him (Matthew 25:35–40). How worthwhile He considers these little things! Conversely, and soberingly, Jesus also said that by omitting such matters (failing to participate) we would fail Him (v. 45).
Let us be sure that we become involved in the practical, everyday matters wherein we can make a difference. In so doing, we will gain vital practice in dealing with life's challenges from a godly perspective, and we will be fitting and preparing ourselves for a useful role in the Kingdom to come!