Читать книгу Beyond the Horizon - Harry A. Renfree - Страница 21

January 15

The Olympic Games have become probably the greatest sports event in the world. The winter and summer versions are held every four years in various parts of this planet. They are seen by thousands in person and by many millions more on television. Not nearly as well–known are the Special Olympics that involve athletes who are mentally disabled.

An incident occurred in the Special Olympics held in Seattle that surely involved good sportsmanship. It happened in the 100 meter dash. The nine contestants took off at the sound of the gun and headed for the finish line. One boy, however, stumbled and fell to the ground, tears coming down his face. The other eight heard the boy cry and paused. Then all of them ran back, consoled the boy, linked arms, and all nine walked together to the finish line. The stadium erupted with a sustained standing ovation at this display of sportsmanship.

In the second book of Timothy, Paul, writing to his younger co–worker of that name, says:“If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2Timothy 2:5). Those disabled young people were competing that day according to the highest rule in the world, that of love.

“Love one another,” said Jesus to his disciples. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) . . . or even his prospect of victory in the race or in the race of life. Adds Paul: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1Corinthians 8:1b).

Here for all of us is a lesson in a loving concern for another, which triumphed over the very natural desire to win the race. Berton Braley, author of the poem, “The Prayer of a Sportsman,” once said it another way: “If I should lose, let me stand by the road and cheer as the winners go by.”

That, too, is good sportsmanship.