In our fast-paced world, the choices we make each day shape the lives we lead. Just as Olympic champion Michael Phelps meticulously structured his days around swimming, we too must consider what kind of life we are building. In this blog post, we'll explore the parallels between Phelps' dedication and the teachings of Jesus, discovering how we can build lives of purpose and fulfillment.
At the heart of Jesus' teachings lies a profound message: to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is not just a commandment but a way of life, a road that leads to true fulfillment.
We get a window into this type of thinking in Michael Phelps' relentless pursuit of Olympic gold during his career. While the world watched Phelps win 28 Olympic medals over the course of his career, we didn't see the countless hours in the pool and gym day in and day out. His daily routine was meticulously crafted around swimming, reflecting the commitment necessary to achieve greatness.
Similarly, we are called to build our lives on the foundation of loving God wholeheartedly. Just as Phelps structured his life around swimming, we must prioritize loving God and loving others--the way of Jesus--above all else.
Turning to Deuteronomy 6, we find guidance on how to cultivate a life centered on the way of Jesus. Loving God starts with adopting God's perspective, and takes shape in our commitment to give our whole lives to this perspective. When we do this, we're transformed from the inside out.
Applying this perspective to our daily lives means integrating God's word into every aspect of our existence. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, our thoughts and actions should reflect a life build on the way of Jesus.
Just as Michael Phelps built his life around the pursuit of Olympic gold, we are called to build our lives around being followers of Jesus. This requires commitment and dedication, starting with small, yet significant, steps.
What road are we traveling down, and where does it lead? Are we building lives on the way of Jesus, rooted in love for God and others? Let's commit to building our lives on the road the leads to Jesus, embracing the journey with courage and faith. Watch the full sermon on which this post is based.