The Perishable Wreath
The most famous verses relating to sports are found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 9.
An athletic metaphor made sense because the Isthmian Games were held every two years in Corinth. These athletic events were second only to the ancient Olympic games in terms of importance. Even in those days, people understood the dedication and hard work it took to be successful in the different events.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says,
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
As a Christian, the term “imperishable” stands out. The Christian knows his reward will continue throughout eternity. These verses express the need for the Christian to discipline his spiritual walk in the same way an athlete disciplines the body to receive his earthly reward.
But have you considered the “perishable wreath” and how it can impact the Christian walk?
CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE HORIZON
It’s getting closer to the time of year when football games become more meaningful, so we will focus on that sport. In particular, the first-ever expanded College Football Playoffs will draw more interest to that sport than ever before. Now there are 12 teams in the field. And because of the chaotic nature of college football these days — brought about because of NIL deals and the transfer portal — all of the 12 teams will enter believing a national championship is within reach.
It’s a far cry from the old days when only elite programs had legitimate shots at a national championship. For example, from 1961-1979, Alabama, Southern California, Notre Dame, and Texas claimed at least a share of 15 of those 19 titles. Even in recent times, the BCS and four-team CFP setups produced SEC champions 13 times over the last 18 years.
The stakes are high in the NFL, too. Kansas City will try to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl titles.
A CROWN THAT FADES
Whoever wins the CFP or the Super Bowl will only receive a perishable crown. But what does that mean?
Think about it this way. During the chase for the crown, things are exciting. Fleeting moments in games bring a crescendo of thrill. Imagine fourth-and-goal for the Tennessee Volunteers late in the fourth quarter of their game against Ohio State, with UT trailing by four points. The moments are what makes sports attractive, and why athletes train their bodies to have a chance at success in those times.
And yet, almost immediately after the final play of the championship game, the crown will begin to lose its significance. In truth, the perishable wreath begins to break down mere moments after it is achieved. It’s like a rotting fruit that isn’t seen until it reaches the outside layers.
Wait a minute, you might say. Don’t people cherish their athletic accomplishments throughout their lives? They do. But any crown begins to decay the moment it is put on the head.
The reasons are many. First, a champion becomes a defending champion a mere instant after the title game ends. Sure, some players take more time to enjoy the spoils of their victory. But in truth, the longer they focus on what they accomplished, the harder it will be to have success the next season. Imagine a football team still celebrating its title as the next September rolls around. That’s a great recipe for getting whipped. After all, someone else wants the next perishable crown.
Another evidence of a perishable crown is the fact it is marked by years. Teams can’t win two Super Bowl titles in one season.
THE SELF PROBLEM
A football player may believe hard work alone made the difference in winning the title. But hard work by itself doesn’t result in a championship.
A player must be blessed with the physical health and skills to be victorious. And those two things are out of the athlete’s control. Think about the talented quarterback leading his team to a possible undefeated season. But in the first quarter of the title game, an injury sends him to the sideline. Unable to recover, the team loses.
No athlete ever succeeded in any sport without the physical God-given ability to simply play the sport. The Christian athlete will always understand it takes hard work AND the blessing of God to be successful.
And therein lies the perishable wreath. Scripture teaches a striking contrast. Perishable is useless while imperishable is priceless.
Useless? What about the people who spend their entire lives dedicated to winning these perishable crowns? Keep in mind it’s not wrong to work hard and try to be successful. There’s nothing wrong with a Christian athlete pursuing excellence and trying to be the best. Christians should strive to be their very best in everything they do.
But a Christian must realize the folly of perishable success. Think about a Christian coach who won a championship, and a player later came to him with a spiritual problem. What spiritual value would the player receive if the coach simply pointed to his trophy?
A coach might say in the locker room, “You’ll remember this win for the rest of your life.” And you probably will, especially depending on the earthly magnitude of it. But if Patrick Mahomes helps Kansas City win a third straight Super Bowl, what will that crown do for him at the end of his days? It will have no eternal value. Those three trophies may rust, tarnish, or thieves may break in and steal them.
But even the sterling silver of the Lombardi Trophy is, in a sense, rotting on the inside. A person can rot on the inside as well.
And the only cure is the love of Jesus Christ, who provided a way to receive the only imperishable crown.
