"You will be remembered for the next 100 years," Guardiola had declared in 2023, dangling the carrot of immortality before his players, should they clinch the treble! However, as Real Madrid's victory demonstrates, the illusion of greatness can swiftly be snatched away!
Reflecting on this transient nature of sporting success, the apostle Paul's words to the Corinthians resonate deeply. We can draw a parallel between the fleeting, “laurel wreaths” of ancient games and the temporary honours of modern-day sporting heroes.
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV).
Despite promises of immortality, time erases names from memory. The biblical analogy of life as “a vapor” (James 4:14), further underscores the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. The parable of the rich man building bigger barns to store his crops (Luke 12:16-21), serves as a cautionary tale. In his pursuit of temporal success, and consumed by his worldly gains, he neglected his soul and forfeited eternal salvation.
Today, society's relentless pursuit of success manifests in various forms – climbing corporate ladders, acquiring material possessions, and chasing fleeting accolades. Yet, as Peter warns, these worldly treasures will ultimately perish when the earth is consumed by fire.
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:10 ESV).
Amidst the insecurity of earthly endeavours, the offer of salvation stands firm. The Lord Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2), extends salvation to all who believe.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31)
Everyone, because of sin, stands in need of a Saviour. No amount of heroic efforts or dedicated church attendance can outweigh our sins (Isaiah 64:6). Mankind needs a Saviour and the only one able to purchase our salvation was Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). His death on the cross was not a mere example for men to follow, but an atoning sacrifice. God punished Him for the sin of the world so, by faith, man can be saved (Romans 10:13). God was well pleased with His sacrifice and, by raising Him from death, affirmed to all men that He is the one and only Saviour who is able to save the soul.
As we witness the rise and fall of sporting icons, let us heed the reminder of life's transience. Instead of chasing fleeting glories, let us labour for the eternal Kingdom. Let us prioritise a relationship with God, trusting in His work at the cross for salvation, which ultimately secures our souls for eternity.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV).
