If You’re A Big Fan

IF YOU’RE A BIG FAN of watching pistons in an engine, you’re bound to love freestyle moguls. Since being introduced into the Winter Olympics in the 1990s, the moguls have amazed audience members and television viewers. And maybe one of the most knee-knocking performances of all time was turned in by American Jonny Moseley in the 1998 Nagano Games.

Mogul skiers earn points in three areas. Fifty percent of the score is derived from the quality of the skiing. Athletes must navigate a 300-yard heavily moguled course using aggressive, controlled turns. The knees bounce up and down together, the upper body remains calm, and the arms plant the poles in preparation for the next turn. Any fall or loss of form spells disaster. Twenty-five percent of the score is based on two jumps—going big and sticking the landing means huge points. The final 25 percent is earned by how fast the athlete makes it down the course.

In Nagano, Japan, Moseley put all of those elements together in an unbeatable performance. Not only did he pump his way down the mountain with precision turns, but his 360 Mute Grab amazed even the announcers and outclassed the competition.

Moseley’s gold medal was the first one for the United States in Nagano. And it set the tone for more U.S. skiing success.

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POINT Jonny Moseley’s 360 Mute Grab was a trick nobody had ever seen. By combining a cross-skied helicopter from skiing with a snowboarding grab, Moseley took moguls to a new level and assured himself of the gold. Innovation and creativity marked Moseley’s skiing career.

God desires for Christians to show that same creativity. He wants us to stand out. God doesn’t want you to follow the crowd or be like people in the world. He asks you to be transformed—not copy someone else. Every person reacts differently to God’s Word. So be innovative with how you live your faith.

GOAL! Are you bored in Sunday school or church? It’s okay to admit it. But don’t stay tuned out. Come up with fresh ideas to bring excitement into your church. You may also want to share your ideas with a youth leader. Be creative!