Since the opening ceremonies at the Paris Olympic Games, there has been much discussion and debate about the very offensive mockery of Christianity and the last supper presentation. Yes, I too take offense to the mockery that was allowed to happen before the entire world publicly.

I have read many different social media posts, news articles, as well as blog posts across the internet expressing different opinions and defending the actions from the other side of the conversation. It seems unavoidable if we are going to be involved in the goings on of this world.

I have heard many believers state that they plan to boycott the Olympic games and just not watch any of it. Understandably, this is their reaction to the highly offensive mockery of our God. I too initially had the same feelings at first. But after some prayerful consideration and pondering the different reactions around the world. I have come to a different conclusion. At least as it applies to the Olympic games and my reaction to the offensive actions at the opening statements.

I often think about what I find in chapter 17 of John’s gospel. This is where we find the most powerful prayer that ever was said. John recorded how our Savior communicated with the Father on our behalf. In the middle of that prayer, we can find something very important for all believers to consider. I mean, that is if we desire to be in the will of God. Verses 14-18 say,

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As you sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” – John 17:14-18

As I am reacting to the events that were so offensive not only to me but to God Himself, I am tempted to “cancel” the Olympic Games from my life. I am tempted to boycott the games. However, as I ponder on the prayers of Jesus, I see that Jesus did not ask that we be taken out of the world. He did not ask the Father to separate us from the wickedness of this world but to give us the strength and courage to be in the world without being contaminated by its wicked ways.

The truth is that the world wants to “cancel” Christianity. More and more of todays society is working hard at limiting or erase Christianity from all areas of life. Anytime the world gets offended by anything that has to do with Christianity they try to “cancel” it. So, it does not make sense to me that we Christians actually “cancel” ourselves each time we get offended by the world. That is what we are doing sometimes when we boycott when we are offended.

I submit that Christianity and Cancel Culture cannot co-exist in the heart of the believer.

I am not saying that we must always be involved in everything that the world does that is offensive to our faith. However, I am saying that Jesus sent us into the world to be the witness. It is not possible to be the witness in the world if we continue to remove ourselves each time sinners do offensive and sinful things. After all, should we not expect those who are worldly to act that way?

More importantly, since we see that Jesus asked the Father not to take us out of the world, then why should we remove ourselves? No, I believe that God would rather us go into the world as commanded and be the light in a dark world. I think that it would be a missed opportunity if we boycott the Olympic Games. Because there are things happening that are offensive or that are sinful according to the word of God, it seems to me to be a good opportunity to engage in productive conversations with those in our community. A perfect opportunity to be the witness.

So, no. I do not believe I will boycott the Olympics. I will be offended by the things that offend God and pray for those who are the offenders. Not forgetting that there are many American athletes who have worked extremely hard to participate in their sport who may not have anything to do with the offensive actions of others. So as an American, the least I can do it support my fellow Americans as they compete and represent my country. All the while, being ready to have conversations about any and all situations that may happen along the way.

All for the glory of God!