Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Over the past two weeks, I have watched more television than any two weeks in several years. I watched a number of the Olympic events and followed some of the American athletes. However, I almost stopped watching the Olympic Games because of the specific and aggressive media attention given to gay and transgender athletes. Gay rights are no longer about the same rights all citizens enjoy because gay people already have these same rights. It is now about special rights that will ultimately destroy our culture, families and nation. Men, you are going to have to lead as never before because the enemy has the platform and his performance in the field of play is seeking the gold medal. You cannot compromise the truth of God’s Word and must build it into your life and those whom you lead. There is only one gold medal and God offers it to us through Jesus Christ.

But wait! There were several professing Christians in the Olympics, and one in particular made a difference and stood up for her faith in Christ. American 400-meter hurdler, Sydney McLaughlin, made history in the event winning the gold medal in a world record time. She gave honor and glory to Christ, her country, and teammate for being “iron sharpens iron.” Here is what she said, “Let me start off by saying, what an honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible, He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory. I have never seen God fail in my life. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God has failed. His will is PERFECT. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him." Sydney let her light shine in a huge setting where much focus was on the darkness of our world. Let your light shine.