Hebrews 12:1-2 includes this encouraging word to those who have begun a spiritual journey: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

The Olympics celebrate human strength, determination, and the spirit of competition. The ancient games included the Panathenaic Games in Athens, the Isthmian Games in Corinth, and the early Olympics in Olympia. The modern Olympic games began in 1896 in Athens.

There are at least 7 places in the New Testament that utilize analogies from the ancient games to illustrate principles about life, most of them written by the Apostle Paul and the anonymous author of Hebrews. These texts draw parallels between these athletic competitions and the journey through life.

Here are a few of the life lessons from the Olympics:

1. Learn the value of unity and teamwork. The Olympics bring together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, united by a common goal. In the same way, the body of Christ is made up of diverse members, each with unique gifts and talents. Ephesians 4:15-16 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

2. Train with rigorous discipline. Just as athletes discipline their bodies and minds, those who follow Jesus are called to a life of focus and discipline. Things like prayer, Bible study, worship, service, and advocacy are basic ways to fortify our faith and stay focused on our mission. World champion figure skater, Kristi Yamaguchi, contends, “Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.”

3. Demonstrate perseverance in dealing with challenges and hurdles. Olympic athletes face numerous obstacles, from injuries to setbacks in competition. Yet, they persevere, driven by their passion and determination. Challenges and hurdles are the norm in life, not the exception. Hebrews 12:1 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Olympian Carrie Johnson reminds us, “Falling in life is inevitable – staying down is optional.”

4. Athletes of all ages can participate. In the Olympic games there are no age limits. This year there are two 16-year-olds, and one 59-year-old participating. The oldest Olympian on record is Oscar Schwan of Sweden who was 72 when he participated in the shooting competition in the 1920 Olympics. You are neither too young or too old to make a valuable contribution.

5. Keep your eyes on the prize. Athletes train and compete with the goal of winning a medal, a prize that honors their hard work and dedication. Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Mary Lou Retton, 5-time Olympic medalist in Gymnastics, advises, “As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we’ve been given.”

As we watch the Olympics this year and marvel at the dedication, perseverance, unity, and joy of the athletes, let their example inspire us to integrate these same values into our lives.