Cathy Freeman knows what it is to overcome the adversity of prejudice and racism. The Australian Aborigine runner captured the gold metal in the women’s 400-meter. Ten days earlier, she had the honor of lighting the Olympic flame during the opening ceremonies.

Laura Wilkenson became the first American woman since 1964 to win the 10-meter platform diving during competition. Laura knows about persevering through pain and adversity. In March, she broke her foot in three places. Many did not even consider her a medal contender, but she went for the gold. In one round she went from fifth place to first place. Being fifth in the preliminaries she focused on the gold and won a spectacular victory. When asked what she attributed her success to, she boldly quoted the apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Even though baptized when she was eight, it was two years ago at the Goodwill games that Laura said she truly became a Christian, as she committed her life to Christ as her Savior and Lord. She attributes her faith as her best support through trying times. She says, “Anytime something got hard, God was there. God was there every step of the way carrying me.”

Story after story could be recounted of Olympic athletes who overcame obstacles and adversity in their life and were determined to focus on going for the gold. Although it was a great achievement even to win a silver or bronze medal, their objective was the gold. One athlete let it be known that he would settle for nothing less than a gold medal. He would risk all for the gold.

If Olympians disciplined themselves to go through the pain and rigors of training to compete for a gold medal, how much more should we do so in running the race of life? Our gold is that which does not perish and a glory that does not fade. The original Greek Olympians ran for the prize of a crown of laurel that would eventually die. Paul the apostle tells us, “know you not that they that run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; be we an incorruptible.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26) God promises all who run this race of life a crown of life, life eternal. (See Revelation 2:10 and James 1:12)

In order to win a medal, an Olympian must compete according to the rules. Some lost valuable points that cost them the gold because they stepped out of bounds. Gymnast Andreea Raducan was stripped of her all-around medal after a positive drug test, even though her coach insisted that the banned substance came through some cough medicine she had taken that morning. Paul continues his imagery of an Olympic athlete, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, …I myself should be a castaway (disqualified).” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Don’t be disqualified in winning God’s gold. Run the race in obedience to God, according to His rules – the Word of God.

Many athletes wear special attire in order to possibly be a second faster. Whatever can give them an edge could make a difference in winning the gold or not winning. Paul reveals that we have a great crowd in the grandstand of heaven cheering us on. Therefore, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) Are there weights of sin, habits and attitudes that slow you down in running the race of life, things that could keep you from winning the prize of eternal life or the commendation of God? Lay them aside. Repent and confess those sins to Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9-10)

A common factor of those who win the gold is their ability to stay focused. We also must stay focused on the imperishable, eternal goal of winning Christ. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) When I ran track in high school my coach always emphasized to never look back to see where your competitors are. You can stumble, break stride, or lose precious seconds, causing you to lose the race. Friend, don’t look at the people or circumstances, look to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. He will never disappoint or let you down. Follow His example. He despised the pain and shame of the cross as He died for the sins of the world, and for your sins. He arose victorious from death and hell and wants to share that triumph with you.

One day we will all stand before the judgment bar of God. Those who ran the race and went for the gold will have their reward of the imperishable crown of life and the commendation of their Master. (See Matthew 25:21) Those who build their life on things of “wood, hay and stubble” will have their works burned up, suffering loss and standing ashamed before the Lord. (See 1 Corinthians 3:11-15) Those who build with gold and silver will be winners.

The gold and glory of this world will eventually fade and falter. The gold of the imperishable, incorruptible crown of life is eternal and brings total fulfillment.

You can go for the gold!

A. Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

B. Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

C. Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9