No one walks casually into the Olympic Games and announces they’ve decided for the fun of it to compete in a race.  Olympic athletes train for years…fully committed in all aspects of their lives with concentration and drive.  And in the end for a few, their heroic struggle pays off with a gold medal.  Our Christian life is one of training daily and fighting for victory over temptation.  James 1:12 tells us, ” Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  We are in training for a crown of life, a crown of glory that will never fade away, and eternal victory.