Chaplain’s Corner
Running the Race
I am loving the Olympics! As a lover of sport and all things competition, the Olympics is a feast, and sleep, I’ll admit is lacking a little! I wonder what your highlights have been. For me, I am loving the new sport Kayak Cross. It’s like gladiators in kayaks! Of course the success in the pool by Australians, is once again incredible. This week we have seen the athletic and field events. What spectacle to see how fast or far they can run, jump and throw!
It's mind blowing to consider the hours of training, coaching, planning and effort that has gone into making it to these games. Seeking to be at the pinnacle of fitness and ability, ready to compete at the highest level.
The Olympics always brings to mind 1 Corinthians, where it tells us that we are all in a race and we get to choose how we participate in this race.
The truth is, if we want to do anything in life that amounts to anything of significance, we need to train and we need to be disciplined. This is especially so, if we are followers of Jesus Christ and want all that God wants for us. The training and results may be quite different, but the principle is the same. God wants us to participate in and finish this race of life well. So that He can say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Athletes go into strict training, which is actually counter intuitive to our default, right? Most people, are slaves to their bodies, true? Their bodies tell their minds what to do. Their bodies decide when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, when to sleep and when to get up. If I’m honest, it’s telling me a burger and nap right now would be ideal! An athlete cannot allow that. They follow the training rules, not their own body.
They run when they would rather be resting; eat a balanced meal when they would rather have a chocolate sundae; they go to bed when they would rather stay up; and they get up early to train when they would rather stay in bed. An athlete leads their own body, they do not follow it. It is their slave, not the other way around.
God wants us to have self-control and lead our own minds and bodies, to have a vision and goals that align with Him, and to avoid the traps and disappointments that distractions or short term thinking might bring.
Why? Because God wants for us a prize that will last, not a ribbon that you’ll put away in your junk draw and then throw away six months later; not a wreath around your head made of ferns that will wither and rot away. No, he wants for you a crown that will last forever!
Following Christ and seeking His approval above all others is not always easy work but it is the most rewarding. The approval of Jesus is the greatest prize we could ever hope for and God the Father the best trainer someone could ever have.
I love what Paul says in Philippians 3 (MSG)
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Saviour, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like His own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which He is putting everything as it should be, under and around Him.
Mega Chapel
On Tuesday 30 July Junior School joined with Senior School for a very special Mega Chapel! Junior students were accompanied by their Senior buddies who they sat with and enjoyed worshipping together. Olly and Polly, our school puppets, presented a message tying in with the Paris Olympics, Running your race to win the prize 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Our Captain and Student Leadership team from both Junior and Senior Schools lead our wonderful Mega Chapel service. We are so thankful for our warm and caring community. What a fun chapel!
Christmas in July Food Drive
Wow! An amazing effort, families of Oxley! We managed to collect 1,385 grocery items, which were delivered to CIRE Services. Janelle from CIRE told us that the families these items will assist are so appreciative, as they are really doing life tough right now. What a blessing it is to have such a generous community that continues to look to the needs of others and seeking to help those in need. If you brought one item, or five, a very big thank you for your contribution, it all adds up. We pray that each recipient would know and understand that they are seen, loved and cared for. In Jesus’ name and for His glory!
God bless,
Pastor Matt Daly
College Chaplain