Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it took 1503 years for the Olympics to return. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. The man responsible for its rebirth was a Frenchman named Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who presented the idea in 1894. A total of 339 events in 33 sports were put forward for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games where 206 countries participated from 23 June to 8 August.
Paul writes this in 1Corithians 9:24 – 27
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. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.
As a believer one should take pride in the spiritual race being run, it is not to compete with fellow Christians, but is paced so that one wins the eternal glory as the prize.
Dear Father, make me spiritually fit, help me to not waste energy on nonsensical works or debates. Make my mind stable enough to endure emotional punches that may come my way. As I run the race of life, allow me the success and the realization of my vision so that what I do may be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name I pray this, Amen. Dr Cliff Ferguson – Shalom Centurion.