Many people will find the wages of professional athletes rather ridiculous. Some of them have weekly take-home what many people cannot earn in years. What we often fail to consider is the sacrifice that goes on behind the scene. Take for example what happened at Euro 2020. Before Portugal’s first game, Cristiana Ronaldo caused some stir at a press conference. The hall of the conference was neatly arranged. Coca-Cola, one of the sponsors of the game, had their products conspicuously placed on the table. As soon as Ronaldo took his seat, he shoved aside the two bottles of Coca-Cola in front of him. Instead, he raised a bottle of water and spoke in Portuguese, “Drink water”. Those who know him well would tell you that the snub was not some publicity stunt. When it comes to what he eats and drinks, plus physical exercise, he is a maverick. His eating pattern is such as can only promote the healthiest frame. That has been the secret of his performance at the highest level in many years.

…believers should not judge what they do or allow only from the point of being lawful; we should weigh all things from the standpoint of whether they are profitable or not.

Apostle Paul gave us insight into the life of athletes. Those who are well-meaning and hope for laurels among them give up so many things. They give up some food and other physical conveniences. They delay gratification of certain human desires, including raising a family. They do all these to wear medals that will fade with time. The reasoning of Paul is that whatever sacrifice we are called to make is eternally more rewarding than what the best athlete hope to have. Millions of people across the world drink Coca-Cola, because it is not contraband. One man, however, found it injurious to his body and the bigger goal of being able to perform professionally for a long time. So believers should not judge what they do or allow only from the point of being lawful; we should weigh all things from the standpoint of whether they are profitable or not.