Word from Wiese

Olympic Motivations

Olympic Motivations

Word from Wiese

7 August 2021

Dear Friends in Faith,

Olympic Swim Team

Four Speedo U.S. Olympians at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (left to right): Kieran Smith, Regan Smith, Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy.

Prepared for a new chapter as we move into our renewed sanctuary on Sunday August 18, our usher team asked me to share this picture of the dynamic new outfits they’ll wear on Sundays.

Ahh . . . just joking.

But in the enthusiasm of watching the Olympics this past week, I wouldn’t be surprised if our ushers, greeters, musicians, and readers are doing crunches, push-ups, and sprints like crazy to be in top form to help us lead worship with our new–or back to “normal”–Sunday morning schedule.   (8:30 traditional, 9:45 contemporary, and 11:00 traditional) on August 18.    We’re enthused!

Actually, in the picture we see the fancy swimsuits USA Olympians wear to compete.   The picture depicts proof of Olympian strategy.  Not only do key muscles need to be developed, but bodies need to be streamlined, with not only swim caps but super-sleek suits.   Apparently, these Speedo “Fastkind” suits have been worn by more than half of all world record-breaking swimmers since the launch of the line in 2019.

The 2024 versions of these Fastskin Olympic suits actually leverage space technology.  While in space the special coating guards satellites from cosmic radiation, on earth it improves swimmers’ flexibility, compression and drag reduction.

Similarly, as Jesus followers, we’ll hear in our Ephesians lesson this Sunday certain behaviors sure to drag us down like swimming with boots on:  lying, anger, holding grudges, hurtful language, and refusing to share (Ephesians 4.25-29).  Then, Coach Paul encouragingly points out Jesus-like commitments even more empowering than a Speedo Fastskin:   kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness (Eph. 4.32).

Consider a second picture.   Like me, maybe you still remember a swim cap worn by South African swimmer, Tatjana Schoenmaker, at the Tokyo Olmpics.   Can you read what it says?  “Soli Deo Gloria,” or in English, “Glory to God alone,” a life-view used by artists like Bach and Handel.


On her Twitter feed, swimmer Tatjana describes herself in many ways, but FIRST she lists “Child of God” with a red heart emoji.   How about that?   This Olympian who has dedicated her whole life to swimming sees all her immense efforts within the context of her Christian faith.

First and foremost, she knows she is God’s child.  So, striving to succeed at the Olympics is NOT a way to prove herself or earn her worth.  She already knows she’s God’s beloved daughter.  Her swimming is a way she glorifies God within the context of faith and joy.  As runner Eric Liddell said upon his 1924 gold-medal winning, he ran for “God’s pleasure.”  Liddell shared that running for the Paris Olympic prize was fun, but his ultimate focus was running the Lord’s race.

Any Olympics is bound to have controversy.   Which controversies in Paris have caught your ear?    If you come this Sunday to church, you’ll hear a controversy from 1st century Israel that overshadows anything we hear out of 21st century Paris.   What was it?    Come this Sunday to find out!

Praying for an Olympic-like faith with you,

Pastor Fritz