Why
is everybody so mad at Ryan Lochte? He is not the first to lie about a crime, nor will he be the last.
I believe it is because Ryan Lochte is a
citizen of the United States in a foreign country. What's more, as an Olympian, he
represents the United States in an official capacity.
But
before we get too upset, let's remember another thing. As Christians we are in the
same boat.
Philippians 3:20 says, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
As Christians, every
time we sin, we bring shame upon our eternal home.
2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that we are "ambassadors for Christ"
and
Ephesians 5:1 tells us that we are to be "imitators of God"
Now
let's contrast Ryan Lochte with pole vaulter Sam Kendricks, who is running towards an attempt at the pole vault in the qualifying round,
until he hears the national anthem. Kendricks immediately stops what
he's doing to stand at attention. This
man, recognizing his citizenship and the responsibilities associated
with it, acted accordingly, and brought honor to his country.
In case you missed it you can click here to watch the video.
I think we can all agree that we do not always represent our eternal home very well. We are all in need of grace.
But let's be more like Paul who said in Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
