I don’t know anyone who really follows swimming, and yet the entire nation was captivated as the American 400 meter relay team won the gold medal on Sunday night. All of a sudden it is all that we can talk about. It seems to be the spark that ignited our obsession with the Olympics. As I watched the relay, I was as excited as anyone else.

I think part of our interest is just a spirit of competition, but another part of it is the fact that in turbulent times we are looking for something positive and something in which to put our belief. For the next couple of weeks we will be consumed with the festivities surrounding the games, but in a short period of time we will forget the number of medals won, we will forget who won, and for the most part, we will forget the records that were set. Our athletes are representing us well and we should be very proud of them, but we should also understand that in the culture in which we live, people will forget.

While we all enjoy watching the games, those of us who are Christians must remember there is so much more than just the “thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat” found in the Olympics. These games are extremely entertaining, but they are also a reminder that life is more than a game.