Living the Christian life in today’s world is never easy. It is even harder for celebrities or sportsmen and sportswomen in the public eye. I’m sure this is true for Christian athletes training and preparing for the Olympic Games. One such person is Allyson Felix.
Allyson is the daughter of an ordained minister. Being the child of a minister often puts extra pressures of their offspring as friends of ours can testify. People sometimes seem to judge those whose parents are in ministry more harshly. The pressure to decide it’s all too hard living the Christian life and competing must be there.
Yet Allyson has sought to grow in her Christian life by attending the Los Angeles Bible Training School. Her aim is not only to learn more of God’s Word but to be better prepared for effective Christian service.
Allyson Felix is the 2007 world champ in the 200 meters sprint, so she knows all about the discipline and hard work that is needed to excel at her sport. However she praises God, not only for the talent in her chosen sport but her opportunities
The Christian life has a lot in common with training for a race. Paul made this comparison in 1 Corinthians 9:24. He said that out of all who run in a race, only one takes home first prize. But that everyone who competes ‘exercises self control in all things, 1 Corinthian 9 25.
Bryan Clay is another young athlete competing tat the Beijing Olympics. Bryan is extremely conscious of his position as a role model for other young people. As a once trouble and rebellious teenager himself, he knows places a great deal of importance on the need for strong role models. As a result he has started a foundation aimed at helping underprivileged young people at high school. Bryan freely admits to a faith in the Lord Jesus and that this faith helps him in daily life as well as in his sport, Decathlon.
Both these young people know the pressure on them to perform. At the same time as maintaining and doing well at their chosen sports, they are seeking to grow in their Christian faith and service while being a witness and role model for others. For more information on either of this young people visit NBCOLympics.com
Bible verses from the New American Standard Version
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