Carlos Yulo won the first Gold Medal in this year’s Olympics for the Philippines. Aside from the inspiring victory that he won, I want to focus on the spiritual lessons we should learn from his triumph!
Carlos Yulo Winning the Gold Medal in Artistic Gymnastics
Update: Carlos Yulo won his second gold medal in the men’s vault finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Bercy Arena on Sunday night.
What a momentous day for the Philippines! Carlos Yulo has just etched his name in the annals of history, becoming only the second Filipino athlete to achieve the prestigious title of Olympic champion.
His awe-inspiring performance in the artistic gymnastics men’s floor event on Saturday brought home the gold and marked the first medal for the Philippines at the current Games. Even more impressively, he is now the first Filipino gymnast to ever grace an Olympic podium.
This victory is not just a personal triumph for Yulo but a beacon of hope and pride for the entire nation. It was only three years ago that Hidilyn Diaz broke ground by winning the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines in weightlifting.
Now, Yulo has added to this legacy, proving that with determination and resilience, Filipinos can shine brightly on the world’s grandest stage.
Yulo’s routine was nothing short of spectacular. Going third among eight competitors, he mesmerized the audience and judges alike, scoring the highest difficulty score of 6.600.
His flawless execution earned him an 8.400, culminating in an astounding total of 15.000. This remarkable achievement saw him narrowly surpass the defending champion, Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, who scored 14.966.
As we revel in Yulo’s golden success, I want to focus on something bigger, something more important — that is the spiritual lessons we should learn. Thus, I want to share with you 3 inspiring lessons you and I must understand:
1. Discipline and Training in Our Spiritual Battle
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, the Apostle Paul writes, “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.” Paul’s words vividly illustrate the importance of discipline and dedication in our spiritual journey, much like an athlete’s commitment to their sport.
Carlos Yulo’s relentless training and unwavering focus are a perfect reflection of this principle. To achieve his gold medal, Yulo had to endure countless hours of practice, pushing his body and mind to their limits.
His journey wasn’t easy; it was marked by challenges, setbacks, and an unwavering resolve to overcome every obstacle. This mirrors the Christian’s journey of faith, where discipline and endurance are key to reaching the ultimate prize—eternal life with Christ.
Nothing comes easy, especially in our spiritual walk. Just as athletes must work hard and do their best to win, we too must strive diligently in our faith. Paul and Barnabas said in Acts 14:22, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
This statement underscores that our path to the Kingdom is fraught with trials and tribulations. But it is through these challenges that our faith is tested and strengthened.
Those who truly overcome in life are disciplined, not allowing their human nature to rule them. Instead, they strive to overcome sin and produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
This spiritual fruit is the result of a life dedicated to following Christ, much like an athlete’s success is the result of rigorous training and self-discipline.
Carlos Yulo’s victory teaches us that with dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering focus on our goals, we can achieve great things. In the same way, our spiritual journey requires us to be steadfast, to exercise self-control, and to remain committed to our faith, despite the challenges we may face.
The prize we aim for is not a perishable gold medal but an imperishable crown of glory that awaits us in eternity.
So, let us run our spiritual race with the same intensity and focus that Yulo displayed. Let us discipline ourselves, endure hardships, and strive to live a life that reflects Christ’s love and righteousness.
For in doing so, we not only honor God but also inspire those around us to pursue their own journeys of faith with the same dedication and fervor.
2. God Can Do the Impossible
As Filipinos, winning a gold medal in the Olympics can seem almost miraculous. This sentiment is underscored by the fact that we have only achieved two gold medals in our history of participating in the Olympics.
In Matthew 19:26, Jesus (Yahshua) says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Carlos Yulo’s victory is a vivid reminder that God can achieve the impossible in our lives, turning what seems unattainable into reality through His grace and power.
In our Christian walk, we often face problems that seem insurmountable. These obstacles can appear so daunting that overcoming them seems impossible by our own strength. Yet, time and again, God has shown us that He is capable of doing the impossible.
He rescues us, makes a way where there seems to be none, and even leads us through the very obstacles that stand in our path. In moments of despair, we can boldly declare to our problems, “Hey, I have a big God.”
Sometimes, the impossible is God’s way of inviting us to trust Him more deeply. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, God often whispers to our hearts, “Trust me.”
It is in these moments of trust that we witness His miracles. Carlos Yulo’s victory, decided by mere decimal points, is a powerful example of this. Despite the stiff competition and the high stakes, Yulo triumphed by the smallest of margins.
This shows us that no matter how close or difficult the situation may seem, God’s power can tip the scales in our favor.
Consider the biblical story of the Israelites at the Red Sea. With the Egyptian army closing in behind them and the vast sea before them, their situation seemed hopeless. But God made a way through the obstacle itself, parting the waters and allowing them to walk through on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22).
This miraculous event underscores that with God, no obstacle is too great, and no situation is beyond His power to redeem.
Similarly, in our personal lives, when we face what seems impossible, it is an opportunity to witness God’s mighty hand at work. By trusting Him, we open the door for miracles. Just as Yulo’s precise and perfect execution in gymnastics earned him a gold medal, our faith and trust in God can lead to victories in our own lives, no matter how improbable they may seem.
Yulo’s victory is not just a celebration of athletic prowess but a testament to what faith and trust in God can achieve. It reminds us that when we are faced with the impossible, we can rely on God’s strength and power.
His victory becomes a beacon of hope, encouraging us to trust in God’s ability to turn our trials into triumphs.
So, when life presents us with challenges that seem impossible to overcome, let us remember that with God, all things are possible.
Let Yulo’s story inspire us to trust in God’s miraculous power, to hold fast to our faith, and to believe that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome through His grace and strength.
3. Aiming for the Spiritual Crown
While an Olympic gold medal is a magnificent achievement, there is a far greater reward that we must aim for—the spiritual crown that does not perish.
In 1 Peter 5:4, it is written, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” This verse reminds us that our ultimate goal is to attain the eternal reward that God has prepared for us, far surpassing any earthly accolade.
This world can only offer temporary rewards. The glory and recognition we attain here are fleeting. Even the most illustrious achievements, like Carlos Yulo’s gold medal, will eventually fade from public memory.
In a few years or decades, the world may forget about Yulo’s incredible accomplishment. The accolades and applause of this world are all passing; they never last.
However, the reward God offers is eternal. The spiritual crown of glory that we will receive from the Chief Shepherd is imperishable and unfading. Wouldn’t it be more rational and logical for us to aim for the reward that does not perish?
God’s recognition and honor last not just during our lifetime but forever. When we prioritize our relationship with God and strive to live according to His will, we are investing in an eternal reward that far exceeds any temporal glory.
Yes, Yulo won a gold medal, a symbol of his dedication and hard work. But as great as that achievement is, it pales in comparison to the eternal reward that awaits those who faithfully follow Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” This highlights the difference between the temporary rewards of this world and the everlasting reward of heaven.
So, let us not settle for the things this world offers. Aim for God’s reward because when we do, that’s when we are truly champions and winners.
When our names are written in the Book of Life, that’s the greatest achievement we can ever have—way greater than winning an Olympic medal.
When we stand before God and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23), it will be the culmination of our spiritual journey and the ultimate recognition of our faithfulness.
This eternal reward is what we should strive for every day, living our lives in a way that honors God and reflects His love.
In the end, while we celebrate Yulo’s victory and take pride in his accomplishment, let it also remind us to keep our eyes on the greater prize.
Let his story inspire us to pursue our faith with the same dedication and passion, aiming for the eternal crown of glory that God has promised to those who love Him. For in doing so, we secure a place in God’s eternal kingdom, the greatest and most enduring triumph of all.
Learn the Lessons from Carlos Yulo
Sports, much like our spiritual journey, requires dedication, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. Yulo’s triumph serves as a powerful reminder that with faith, hard work, and God’s grace, we can overcome any hurdle.
His victory is a testament to the strength found in perseverance and the fulfillment of dreams through steadfast effort and trust in God.
Mabuhay ka, Carlos Yulo! Your triumph is a shining inspiration to all Filipinos, reminding us that with passion, perseverance, unwavering faith, and the grace of God, we can conquer the world.
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