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Driven by dedication, discipline, and dreams of glory, athletes from every corner of the globe prepare to compete in the Olympics. These talented individuals pour their lives into their chosen sport, hoping to achieve the ultimate prize—gold. For the athlete, it’s not just about the medal. Winning brings an unmatched sense of joy, pride, and recognition for the athlete as well as for their home nation, as the world watches with excitement.

Is there more to life than gold and glory?

Most of us will never achieve Olympic glory, but just like the athletes, we all have our eyes set on goals that we hope will bring us happiness and satisfaction. We each seek to find purpose and fulfillment in life. Maybe you have thought, “If only I could have more money, a new car, a bigger house, a successful job (or something else), then I’d be happy.” But prestige and possessions can never satisfy. Even achievements and recognition from others fall short, leaving an empty feeling inside.

Eric Liddell was a legendary Olympic gold medalist who won the 400-meter race in the 1924 Olympics held in Paris. Even though he was a famous athlete, he didn’t let that single achievement define who he was. Eric said,

Never let anyone or anything define your worth. You are more than your achievements or the opinions of others.

Where did Eric Liddell find his purpose? After his Olympic career, he became a missionary to China where he shared what he knew—that the real meaning of life and true fulfillment is only found through a restored relationship with God.

You see, on our own, none of us are “good enough” to meet God’s approval. God is the ultimate judge, and a perfect score cannot be earned through our “good deeds” or “trying harder.” The Bible clearly says that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Just as failing to qualify for the Olympics means missing out on the ultimate goal, our sin separates us from God and eternal life in Heaven.

The Ultimate Victory in Christ

There’s good news. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. There on the cross, Jesus took the punishment we deserve because of our sin, and rose again from the grave to give us new life. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We receive forgiveness, a fresh start, and eternal life by turning to God in repentance and trusting fully in Jesus.

Later in life, Eric Liddell went on to say,

It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.

Eric knew that the ultimate victory in life is found in knowing God and serving Him. Is this victory yours, too? God will save all who call upon Him!

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

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