Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal, 16, represented her country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris on Sunday, 28 August. The young woman marked the occasion by winning the bronze medal and declaring in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) that “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.”
The athlete from Maranhão competed in the women’s street skateboarding event. Her impressive skills and talent earned her a bronze medal, making her the youngest athlete, male or female, of any nationality to reach the podium at different Olympic Games. She had previously won a silver medal at the previous Olympics in Japan.
Before her competition, while being introduced, the young woman conveyed a message in sign language, signing that “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” This declaration of her Christian faith is something she has done at all her competitions.
The International Olympic Committee prohibits “any form of demonstration or political, religious or social propaganda” within Olympic facilities, meaning Leal could potentially receive a warning for her religious expression. Fortunately, she is not at risk of losing her medal.
Rayssa’s attitude went viral and sparked a series of debates. But even a possible warning did not scare the young woman or stop her from making her beliefs clear.
This is the attitude that true Christians must have at all times and it was the attitude that the apostles also had:
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 NKJV)
This is a choice that we all have to make, after all, there is no other way: either we please God or men.
Whoever decides to obey the Divine will needs to have courage, not only to renounce sin and their own desires, but also to pay the price of persecution and contempt. Therefore, every person should ask themselves:
“Has my life been pleasing God, or have I lived according to my own convenience in order to please others?”
This self-assessment is important for each person to know their spiritual condition before God.
To invest in your communion with God and prepare yourself for the challenges you will face in your faith – join us every week for the Bible Study. Taking place on Wednesdays, at your local Universal Church. Don’t miss it!
Event: Bible Study
Date and Time: Wednesdays at 7:30pm (also at 7am, 10am & 3pm)
Location: At your local Universal Church
