"Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable." Romans 12:17
At the opening game ceremonies last Friday night in Rio, renowned Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, 46, had the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron at Macarana Stadium. While De Lemi is not the fastest runner in Brazilian history, it is said that he "has done more to bring honor to his nation and his sport" than any other runner. Why? Because of what he didn't do 12 years ago in Athens, Greece when he ran to a bronze medal finish in the marathon.
In Romans 12:17, we are told clearly to "Never pay back evil with more evil." But to do things in such a way that everyone can see that we are honorable. And that's just what he did at the 2004 Olympic games when, in first place at the 36-kilometer mark and with a 25-second lead, he was shoved by a man into a group of spectators lining the course. The attacker was quickly pulled off him but de Lima lost precious seconds. Its what he didnt do next that earned him recognition. He didn't react with evil or bad behavior, paying back evil for evil, but quickly regained his composure, accepted his now third place standing and ran to the finish line where "with a big grin on his face and arms outstretched he began weaving along the track's home straight, blowing kisses to an appreciative crowd."
Wow! His reaction certainly showed how we should react in the face of bad behavior doesn't it? And by doing things in such a way to show that he was honorable, de Lima was awarded the rarely given Pierre de Coubertin Medal with the IOC spokesman saying, "We decided to do this in recognition of de Lima’s exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values during this evening’s marathon.” This is clearly one example of sportsmanship we would all do well to follow.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the examples in the Bible and in life that remind us that repaying evil for evil will never win others to You. Help us to repay evil with kindness and compassion as we keep our eyes focused on You. Help us to use every opportunity, good and bad, to bring you glory, honor and praise. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Living for Your glory - Tim Hughes
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