Daily Devotional

The Winter Olympics are currently underway as I write this, and there’s an unexpected controversy involving the medals being presented to the athletes. Reports have surfaced that some of the medals are breaking.

Can you imagine the disappointment?

An athlete trains for years - early mornings, late nights, injuries, sacrifice. They defeat the best in the world in their respective sport. They stand on the podium as their national anthem plays. The medal is placed around their neck. Then, in the joy of celebration, jumping up and down with teammates - you hear an audible gasp as the medal falls to the floor.

All that work… and the medal breaks.

Apparently, a small retainer connecting the medal to the ribbon has failed in some cases. As an engineer, my mind immediately goes to the familiar phrase: something is only as strong as its weakest link. A tiny component can determine the integrity of the whole.
But spiritually, something far greater comes to mind.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (ESV)

Olympic athletes discipline themselves for a medal that can tarnish (i.e. 2024 Paris Olympic medals), rust, break - or eventually be forgotten. Paul reminds us that believers are running for something entirely different: an imperishable reward. A prize that will not corrode. A crown that cannot snap at the connector.

There will be no design flaws in what Christ awards His people. No recalls. No embarrassment. No disappointment when we finally stand in His presence.

Jesus reinforces this eternal perspective in Matthew 6:19–21:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (ESV)

Even the most expensive Olympic medals are still earthly treasures. They are subject to corrosion, theft, damage, and time. The organizers for this Winter’s Olympics in Italy may say, “Don’t jump while wearing them” or they may break. But heaven’s reward does not come with a warning label.

Where is your treasure today?

Where is your heart anchored?

Paul, nearing the end of his life, wrote with confidence in 2 Timothy 4:7–8:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." (ESV)

Notice the certainty. Laid up. Reserved. Secure. And not just for Paul - but for “all who have loved His appearing.”

God will not be embarrassed by the prize He presents. The righteous Judge does not hand out defective crowns. The reward awaiting those who persevere in faith will never break, fade, or fail.

So run your race well.

Exercise self-control.

Fix your heart on eternal treasure.

Because the crown waiting for you is not held together by a fragile clip - it is secured by the faithfulness of God Himself.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.