A Note Regarding the Olympics Opening Ceremony

Much has been said on the last few days of the Olympic opening ceremony. On this issue, there seems to be an impasse of in our world of what one stands for, what one positively supports, and how one loves their fellow man. 

But the disconnect seems to be less what one stands for, but rather, how we define what we stand against. 

I think how we define hate is an issue, and here I'd like to express some thoughts on this subject.  

For one side, non-affirmation is hate. The idea of standing against is undefinable except as hate. 

The other, not telling and standing for truth is hate. 

The difference is viewpoint. One sees things only in what is wanted, desired, and identified with now, in this life. This viewpoint sees things as unchangeable or inherent. It disregards eternity in favor of what is now, what is felt now, and what is enjoyed now. This stems from either a disregard of what comes after this life or a denial of the authority of God.

The other sees, understands, and believes in what is coming. It sees eternity as in and of Christ. It sees life now and in eternity as a gift of God and made receivable only by Christ. It understands that the most hateful thing in the world is to encourage the things that Scripture says separate one from God. 

I think this is a moment to, as always, stand on the truth of Christ, but rather than simply be vocal as against something, speak truth in love. For what Christian love is, see Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13.

It reads, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Paul defines love in more clear terms, but also, leaves room for the fallibility of human nature, which we all share. None of us will be perfect. But what we lack now, what we do not fully understand now, we will know when we see Christ face to face (v. 8-13). But what we can be assured of is that when we draw close to Christ, the result is our displaying His form of love. 

These words unpack Jesus’ own words on love, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Love is in truth, is kind, never fails, but also, is sacrificial. 

A follower of Christ knows the desperate condition of sin and that He is the only Savior for it. A follower of Christ does not desire to withhold Christ, or desire consequences for those who mock Him; rather, a follower of Christ prays daily and speaks of Him as far as God enables so that others would know Him, believe in Him, and receive salvation in Him (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). A follower of Christ desires that all would be saved, just as each of us who have been by faith in Him. A follower of Christ stands firmly in truth but sacrifices their own sadness, anger, and any other feeling towards those who oppose God so that they would be reached by the same Gospel that drew each of them from darkness to light.

If we truly believe that time is short before the coming of the Lord, then we should treat each person in the world as one worthy of the life raft Christ so gracefully tossed to us.

Relevant Scriptures:

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:1-11 NIV

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in the lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." - 2 Peter 3:9-13