Of all people, LeBron James most accurately articulated the essence of the Olympic spirit at the close of our recent 2012 Olympics Games (I’m still a sworn Miami Heat hater though because of my loyalties to our beloved Los Angeles Lakers).

After the Dream Team’s gold medal basketball victory over Team Spain, the interviewer said to a beaming LeBron, “Wow, it’s been quite a year for you with your NBA Finals victory and now a gold medal. What does this past year mean for you personally?”

LeBron responded with the poise of a true Olympian. He said, “This moment isn’t about me. It’s about the 3 letters on the front of my jersey: U.S.A.” And then he proceeded to sidestep the question and simply express how proud he was to represent his nation before the rest of the world.

A few minutes later all of the Dream Team members mounted the victors’ podium as their nation’s anthem filled the stadium, and their nation’s flag ascended above the flags of every other contending nation. That final moment from the London 2012 Olympics beautifully expressed a sentiment from Jesus in John 15:8. He said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.”

Just as the victories and achievements of Olympic athletes bring glory to their respective nations, so too our spiritual fruitfulness and accomplishments are for the glory of God’s kingdom.

“Lord, help us to excel, not for personal ambition, recognition, or acclaim, but for the reputation, exaltation, and advancement of Your Kingdom. We want to see the banner of Your Kingdom exalted above all others. Amen.”