The drugs in sport inquiry reminds us to what lengths people will go to achieve success. Sport in Australia today is part of the entertainment industry. There are mega dollars involved, a huge gambling industry now aligned with it, and success means greater flows of money and prestige. Getting that little bit of an edge could make all the difference. For some it would seem, it is a carrot too hard to resist.
It makes me wonder, to what lengths will we go for a different kind of success? To what lengths will we go to see the kingdom of Jesus expanded in today’s world? To what lengths will we go to live out the values of that kingdom—peace, joy, forgiveness, generosity, compassion, kindness and humility?
Jesus modelled for us a new kingdom. It may not look spectacular to the world. It may not look sophisticated or be politically correct in what it teaches. It is like, as Paul beautifully puts it: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him”. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Yet the kingdom of Jesus is eternal while sport, as good as it is, and success in the eyes of the world, will pass away. As we journey through Lent to the cross and resurrection, let’s appreciate the lengths He went to in order to redeem us, and let us go with Him to live out the kingdom He embodied.