I was reading 2 Clement (the traditional title, folks now seem to want to call it “A Homily to the Corinthians” or something like that) during my lunch. I came across Chapter 7, which has nothing to do with the Olympic games and everything to do with “running the race” Paul-style (e.g., 1Ti 4.8-10, 2Ti 4.7), but it still seems worthy of mentioning. The translation below is that of Ehrman*:

1. So then, my brothers, we should compete in the games, knowing that the competition is at hand. Many set sail for earthly competitions but not all receive the crown — only those who labor hard and compete well.
2. We should therefore compete that we all may be crowned.
3. And so we should run the straight course, the eternal competition. Many of us should sail to it and compete, that we may receive the crown. And if all of us cannot receive the crown, we should at least come close to it.
4. We must realize that if someone is caught cheating while competing in an earthly contest, he is flogged and thrown out of the stadium.
5. What do you suppose? What will happen to the one who cheats in th eternal competition?
6. As for those who do not keep the seal of their baptism, he says: “Their worm will not die nor their fire be extinguished; and they will be a spectacle for all to see.” (Isa 66:24; cf. Mark 9:44-48).

The author of 2 Clement (er ... “Homily to the Corinthians”) is encouraging the Corinthian believers to live their faith with the same dedication, focus, and practice as those who prepare for and compete in the games. It's good advice for us, too, and especially timely with the Olympics going on right now.

Oh, and, BTW: go Iraq soccer!

* Ehrman, Bart. The Apostolic Fathers, Vol. I. Loeb Classical Library vol. 24. Harvard University Press: Cambridge. 2003. (2Cl 7.1-6).