The Olympic Creed Of 1896

Dr. Thamsing Lamkang *

Olympic is the event of events that brings fun and excitement to the whole world. What is the real wonder and uniqueness of the Olympic is that, the top class competitors of the world have been training themselves years to compete for the event. Although these world class athletes compete against each other to the extremes of human endurance, yet they have come together in unity to participate in this one major event.

To me, the presence of these athletes coming together has a beauty that cannot be measured. The applause of those who will observe these games also adds an excitement to this event. This kind of excitement will be there as the world endeavor to live together as human beings. What a wonderful thing it is to know the way to joyfully share in the common goal of living as we do our best together. "And make straight paths for your feet" Heb. 12: 13.

What if you had an opportunity to be in the Olympics? What if no gold medals existed for winning? Or Silver? Or Bronze? Would you compete anyway?

If you answer yes, you hold true to the 1896 Olympian creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part". Just as the most important thing in life is not just the triumph but the struggles. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well" 2 Tim. 4: 7.

To have fought well describes the story of most Olympic Athletes. Those who enter the Games but do not medal outnumber medalists by a ratio of 33 to 1. "Everybody should have a dream," said Jesse Owens, winner of four Gold Medals at the 1936 Olympics. "Every body should work toward that dream and goal. And if you believe hard enough, whether it be in the Olympic Games, or be in the business world, or the music world or the educational world, it all comes down to the one thing… one day, you can say, I am a Champion. Champion for what and for whom?" Phil. 4: 14.

One of the most remarkable thing happened to Derek Redmond of Great Britain. He lost all opportunity to win the 400m in the 1992 'Olympic Games' when he tore his right hamstring during the race. As he crumpled in excruciating pain, his father jumped the barricade, eluded security police and ran to the track to embrace his injured son. The two finished the race together. What father and son experienced at that moment was something more than gold. Jesus the God of your life is always watching your life willing to embrace you whenever you face trails and temptations. But did you ever give Him a chance to help you in life?

In early 19th Century, the unique story of an Olympian in 1924 Paris Olympics Games. People called him the "Flying Scot." His life inspired the 1981 Hollywood Academy Award winning film, 'Chariots of Fire.' He's remembered as much for the race he refused to run in the 1924 Paris Olympics as for the one he did run, and win, at the same Games.

A devout believer in Christ, Liddell did everything in his life to glorify God, including his running talents. He raced with his head up, eyes fixed above, appearing to not even know where he was going. He ran, like he lived, by faith. "Eric broke every possible rule of style, with his head right back, his knees well up and arms all over the place. But, my goodness, what spiritual power!" said Harold Abrahams, who competed with Liddell in the 200m at the 'Paris Olympic Games'. Liddell's love for God cost him. It brought him opposition at the 1924 Olympic Games. He refused, in obedience to his religious convictions, to run the 100m on a Sunday. British authorities were outraged. Liddell was their golden boy who could win Britain a gold medal. They called him a traitor to his country.

Liddell used the opportunity to serve both God and his country. Instead of running in the 100m, he changed to the 200m and 400m weekdays races. This strategy paid off as Liddell tied the Olympic record of 47.6 seconds in the 400m and won the gold medal for his country. After the 1924 Olympic Games, Liddell retired from Olympic competition. In 1937 he went to China as a missionary. In 1945 he died of a brain tumor in a Japanese prison camp.

The secret of success in most sports is the same: Train Hard! Behind each trophy, every gold, every prize is the constant reminder of days and days spent training, stretching, pushing, and perhaps not without a few tears.

We may think that our spiritual life is different: only two or three minutes a day to do the exercises, go through the routines – sorted. But that's not the way it is. I'm sorry to say, people, but the secret's the same. Paul explained it very clearly to his mate Timothy: "Train yourself to be godly" 1 Tim. 4:7. Liddel had chosen to be godly. He never practice or train only for temporary sports but he trained hard to be godly. Today the world says 'Liddel' had successfully completed the race God set for Him!

The expression 'train your-self' is not chosen lightly. Indeed, it is chosen wisely. For life it self is one big exercise and it is as if we're in big school. A school to learnt and develop the character of Christ, and to be under the control of the Spirit. Life is a school with plenty of exams where our marks will determine our future role in heaven! "Not that I have already been made perfect, but I press on…" Phil. 3:12.