The Olympics

So yesterday I was watching figure skating, because my roomie had recorded it on Tivo. One couple from Russia was up next. As I glanced at the competitors I thought to myself "The female doesn't look Russian at all, but Asian." The commentator went on to give some background of the skaters. The female competitor had been born in Japan and had gone to Russia to seek out a particular skating coach. Through certain events the coach took her on as a student and the girl has since become a Russian citizen. Now, when she wants to visit her family in Japan, she has to get a Visa to do so. The sports commentator went on to say that this skater has adapted and adjusted to Russian culture so well. She put off her natural self and made a conscious decision to become something completely different. Russia and Japan, think about the contrast in these two cultures and languages. It kind of makes my head spin. This is a really good illustration for Christians. We must put off our natural, sinful selves when we become followers of Christ. It is a decision that we make and there are big changes we must go through in order to be able to really call ourselves Christians. If we want it bad enough though we are willing to make the sacrifice to do so. In the end we have something even better than a gold medal waiting for us.