Like many of you, I saw the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. What was supposed to be an international celebration of the world’s best athletes turned into a social statement that had nothing to do with athletics at all. There has subsequently been a great deal of feedback from many offended by the display and apparent mockery, if not attack, on the foundation of Christianity.
Many Christians are threatened at the world’s aversion to Christianity and concerned over the future. I have heard similar concerns associated with the outcomes of political elections, supreme court decisions, and various legislative rulings. While we may live in very threatening times when others are outspoken antagonists against Christianity, this adversity is not new.
Christians have been persecuted, mocked, and ridiculed throughout history. What we see today is a modern approach to what has gone on through every generation and is not nearly as threatening as what some have lived through.
History shows us that outside threats just make the Christian message of love, hope, and forgiveness stronger. Difficult times have brought followers together and galvanized the commitment to impact the world regardless of opposition.
The biggest threat to Christianity is not outside opposition, political results, or any other outside factor. The biggest threat is complacency. When Christians become so ingrained in the daily struggles of life that they don’t have time for their Savior, faith becomes an afterthought. When Christians become so absorbed in what the world offers for comfort, they forget their need for a Savior. When Christians desire acceptance and recognition more than sacrifice and service, compromises overshadow convictions.
While you may be outraged at the Olympics’ opening ceremonies, the question is whether you can turn that outrage into an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to live out what you profess to believe. It’s an opportunity to renew, re-examine, and re-engage. It’s an opportunity to have productive discussions with others. It’s an opportunity to take an inward look at not only how we are approaching life, but our motivations that drive our decisions.
I’ll likely not watch the closing ceremonies, but I will continue to watch the Olympics. There are some great stories about the athletes that are competing. Those stories need to be told. For me to have an impact, I need to stay connected to the world but not be controlled by the world. I need to stay close enough to have an impact but not so ingrained that it adversely impacts me.
Whether you are a professing Christian or just someone seeking to find your way, every day is an opportunity. Let’s make the most of those opportunities!
