Everyone who competes in the Olympics goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In Paris, we saw podiums and their medalists and heard of backstories that brought them to that moment in time.

Years of grueling training and many wins and losses along the way were part of the journey that earned them medallions of metal alloys now containing just 2% of what their names promise.

Still, the wins are symbolic of achievements that will all too soon be either forgotten or surpassed by someone else.

The reward for all their efforts is one fleeting moment of triumph.

It doesn’t last forever.

The only win that endures forever is the one resulting from daily commitment to following Christ.

Our reward is an afterlife not of bronze or silver but an eternity on entire streets of 100% pure gold.

Train for the race that wins the prize that holds its value and lasts forever.