Without, I hope, interfering with your ongoing enjoyment of the Summer Olympics I would like to point out some comparisons and contrasts that may help us to engage today s message. The Olympic Games began as and continue to be a part of our worldly scene. Competition is at the center of them. Striving to be the best to be number one is the goal. Bringing honor to oneself and one s country is the reward.
Advertisers spend and make billions of dollars by exposure to millions of television viewers.
The economy of the host country gets a tremendous boost. By the world s standards all of these things are desirable and good. James, writing to his constituents, points out the pitfalls of the wisdom of the world which encourages such competitiveness. He addresses the dangers and evil effects of selfish ambition which issues in disorder, drives people apart, produces strife, disrupts lives. Unfortunately, we have seen ample examples of this in the Olympic Games.