Figure skating fascinates me, especially the spins. Graceful twirls transform into rapid rotations, then dissolve into slower turns before the skater glides away. How can they do that? The answer is complicated but usually has two important parts---the arms and eyes.
When a skater begins, the arms are extended. The skates make a wide circle. As the arms are drawn in close to the chest, the circle becomes smaller. The velocity does not change, just the distance to complete the circle. The spin is tighter, the rotation faster.
As the arms extend, the circle grows. It takes longer to complete the larger circle. The skater, appearing to slow down, has greater control and can more easily maneuver out of the spin and skate in a new direction. Why don't they get dizzy and fall down? Ah, it's all in the eyes.
I thought they must close their eyes during the spins. Everything rapidly passing by would certainly make me sick. But if they closed their eyes, only to open them at the end, their minds would still have the sensation of spinning. Disoriented, they would lose their balance and fall. So they keep their eyes open.
The secret lies in what they see. At the beginning, skaters choose a certain object, focusing on it until they lose sight due to the rotation. Then their heads spin quickly, turning back to the object that anchors them in the passing blur. They look to it. They can see it. And when the spin finishes, they can stand.
I doubt Paul had this in mind when he wrote Philippians. But the image of a spinning skater describes what he shared about our own focus and the importance of those around us. He first makes it clear who his words are for: Whoever has encouragement from being united with Christ, comfort from his love, fellowship with the Spirit, tenderness and compassion. (see Philippians 2:1)
Then he tells them what they are to do: Be like Jesus, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose; do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; and in humility hold up those around you. (vv. 2-3) He concludes with a powerful statement---Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (v. 4)
Do you see what he was telling them?
Do not allow life to close in about you. Keep your eyes open to the world around you. When your arms are closed in, you are the only one you embrace. When you close your eyes to others, life spins out of control. When you lose your focus, days are but a blur. And you will collapse. Instead...
Focus on Jesus. When the world pulls you away, turn back to Him. He will make you steady. In Him, you will stand. We have this faith in Him as the firm and secure anchor of our soul. (see Hebrews 6:19a). Open your arms. Slow down. Reach out to others. Hold them up, for they must see, hear, feel and know that in the dizzy chaos of this world, you look to Christ!
Hmmm. Maybe Paul was thinking of skating after all.
