Title:  Role model

Francois Sieberhagen

Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24

The Olympic Games have just finished.  What a privileged to watch these athletes who worked hard for many years.  In the months and years to come we will still see the images captured by cameras during this spectacle in London.

There will be images of those who triumphed and reached the ultimate goal, a gold medal. There will be the images of those who were disappointed by their own failure.  The cameras would have captured that moment of success or disappointment.  The sad thing is that the bigger picture will not be taken in account.  The athlete’s hard work will pass us by.  Only the exceptional stories will be told.  But the upside is the role models that will emerge.  The role models with positive messages.

For the believer who participates in the race of life it is all concentrated on the life hereafter, eternal life with the triune God.  Paul speaks of these preparations as something that should be worth following.  It is about us being a role model to others.

Role models do not always have it easy.  They are continuously put under the magnifying glass.  Cameras follow them wherever they go and their actions are constantly analysed.  

The challenge we as believers face is to go out and live in a manner which speaks louder than our words.  Our relationship with Christ should be so special and intimate that others should want to follow it.  They should also want to reach the finish line to be with God for ever in the life hereafter.

The big difference between the Olympic Games and the race of life is that there will not only be one winner.  If you participate in the race of life and you are true until the end, you will win the prize.  You will inherit eternal life.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for letting me be a role model.  Through the Holy Spirit help me to be worth following  in everything that I say and do.  Amen.