Olympic Politics

OK, I'm going political. We are having a blast watching the Olympics. Michael Phelps is amazing and fun to watch. The contrast of the men's and women's gymnastics teams is profound.

I am certainly disappointed with the whole women's gymnastics fiasco. I'm not saying that the girls deserved to win, because they made enough mistakes that they didn't earn it. I am wondering however, about the ages of the Chinese gymnasts. There are reports with "evidence" (not seen) that at least two of the girls aren't actually old enough to compete. The IOC's response is that since they showed a passport with the appropriate age, that they meet the standard, and won't investigate.

I'm not really commenting about that whole thing, but what I want to mention is the way that teams, including the USA have chosen to handle the situation. No one has filed an official protest, so there is no reason for the IOC to investigate further. Even if the reports are true, we may never know, and always wonder.

What I see in this though, is the decision to focus on the greater purpose. China is beginning to open its doors to the world. They have welcomed people from around the world to see them in action (even if there are some smoke and mirror tricks). The USA and other countries have chosen to pick their battles wisely. They see the greater purpose in encouraging China to open up, rather than to challenge them at every turn.

I commend our teams, who are often seen as arrogant snobs, for their care and graciousness in a variety of situations that could be real controversies. I even love that when the French relay team was talking smack, our guys just went out and beat them, and didn't say anything in response.

When we work with new believers it is often messy. People come to Christ with lots of baggage. The focus isn't on getting their lives cleaned up, it is on drawing them closer to Christ so that he can change their hearts, and lives, in his timing. Sometimes you have to bite your tongue, but there is a greater purpose - Leading them to become fully devoted followers of Christ!