“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26
July 2024 was a wild month.
One presidential candidate was the victim of an assassination attempt.
That news story quickly faded when another candidate dropped out of the upcoming presidential race.
And just like that, both stories disappeared when everyone began talking about the controversial opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Christians around the world took social media by storm to express their outrage and horror about the perceived parody of the Last Supper.
The Conference of French Bishops exclaimed, “This ceremony has unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we very deeply deplore.”
Conversely, many argued that the performance was merely an interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus. The ceremony’s artistic director stated, “We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that.”
I may have been in the minority of Christians who simply did not give the controversy much attention.
When I was a new-ish believer many years ago, I would have been aghast. Early into my spiritual journey, I believed it to be my calling and duty to publicly condemn those things which I believed to be an abomination to God. I would have been re-posting every article and quote on the news story that I could get my hands on.
Over time, my views towards the role I play in God’s bigger picture have changed.
Did I find the Olympics performance to be an ironic choice that suspiciously mirrored the Last Supper?
Certainly.
Did I find myself shocked and horrified?
Admittedly, not really.
Firstly, because I expect nothing less from those who are not Kingdom-people. Jesus warned His followers that we would be hated and mocked by the world. Performances of this nature should come as no surprise to us. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18.)
Secondly, when our hearts and minds are meditating on those things which are truly pleasing to God, it is hard to be swayed and distracted by the things of this world.
During the days surrounding the Paris Olympics, several beautiful events took place in my life.
A family member formally adopted a little boy out of foster care. A small child being moved out of uncertainty and into a loving, Christian family was a cause for celebration.
A college graduate we are close to finished her internship and received a wonderful job offer. One of the reasons this was significant to her was because she had been specifically praying to break a generational cycle of financial hardships, and felt this was an answered prayer from God. Another cause for celebration.
My family, like many others from Journey Church, was preparing to volunteer and participate in Vacation Bible School. We witnessed lives changed and commitments made to Christ that week. Another cause for celebration.
None of this is meant to make an excuse for the mockery that was made during the opening ceremony.
Only God knows the intention behind the performance, and He will not be mocked.
Rather, it is to remind believers that God does not want us to become derailed by the offensiveness of this world. Psalm 112:6-8 says, “Surely the righteous will never be shaken… They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.”
Pastor Mark said it beautifully during his sermon on the Sunday following the opening ceremony; his first instinct was to pray for the performers, because they desperately needed an opportunity to have a true encounter with Jesus.
It is okay for believers to take issue with the things that God hates.
Proverbs 6:16-19 states, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Unrighteous and unholy behaviors lead to sin, and sin leads to death.
But in the ever-increasing darkness of this world, a parody performance could easily be considered the least of our concerns.
Right here in our community, there are people without hope. There are people living in poverty and fear. There are people who are actively living in violence and calamity.
Do not allow a distasteful performance to keep us from showing Jesus to others.
“Patiently enduring evil, correcting opponents with gentleness.”
God is still on His throne, and He is surprised by nothing.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! For I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)
Amen.
Eyes ever upward, brothers and sisters.