The bigger picture – Day 8
Role model
Um(Imi)bhalo weBhayibheli
1 kwabaseKorinte 9
Isigijimi senkolo
The Olympic Games – what a privilege to watch the athletes who worked hard for many years. The images captured by cameras during this spectacle will still be seen for months and years to come.
There are images of those who triumphed and reached the ultimate goal, a gold medal. There are 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. However, the upside is the role models that 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 that 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 in eternity.
The big difference between the Olympic Games and the race of life is that there will not be just 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.
