Olympians will have free access to over 150 thousand condoms at the 2012 games in London.  Many of you are taking this moment to make certain that you read that correctly.  It was as stunning to me as waking up with an extra arm or having a conversation with my puppy over breakfast.  I was naive and simply believed that the athletes were there to compete for their countries and to go for gold medals.  There are tons of opinions concerning this practice; some people think it promotes safe sex and should be applauded, some feel that it speaks to how far removed we are from our moral roots, some simply don’t care one way or the other.  As a father of a nine year old and the youth pastor of a local church I have to admit I was terrified

“(Sex) is all part of the Olympic spirit. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) wouldn’t say that, but it is, you can’t shy away from it. Why do you think they give away so many condoms?”  This quote which can be found on CNN.com in the article “Sex, games, and olympic village life” sums up what seems to be a general flippant attitude toward this practice.  Reading many articles from former and current olympic athletes this is customary and just goes with the territory.  As for me; it speaks to a cultural identity crisis.  Even though these are the greatest athletes, the young and the beautiful, and the focus of the world for 17 days many of these athletes are still looking to find acceptance and approval in any way possible.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

Paul’s simple message to the Corinthians provides a prognosis; we are nearsighted.  As parents, as teachers, and coaches we are training our kids to gain a prize that is here today and gone tomorrow.  Our students are known by their jersey number and not by their character.  We have made investments over and over that will not stand the test of time.  As leaders and teachers we may not have the ability to change olympic village but we do have the authority to change our personal sphere of influence.  We can instill principles with clear purpose and vision, and we can train our young people to compete for an “eternal prize.”

Here are 4 training tips to prepare the next generation for greatness…

1.) Train for the long term.. Kids are focused on what is directly in front of them.  We must turn their attention to what will last forever.

2.) Love unconditionally.. Just like us, leaders, those who we lead are not always going to get it right.

3.) Practice what you preach.. If you want to make a lasting impact you must do what you are asking your followers to do.

4.) Constantly reinforce.. Life brings labels; remind them of who they are in the eyes of God.

Who are you currently influencing?  What are the key principles you want to deposit in that circle of influence?