According to the Rules

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

Paul continues with another analogy for Timothy about his walk with Jesus. The Greek word used in this verse means that the athlete will sacrifice, be disciplined, determined, and persevere. A good athlete requires discipline to stay within the rules of the game. In ancient Greece, athletes had to train for ten months before competing in the games. I think study, meditation, and prayers should be a daily quest for the Christian. For us, this means discipline to live a godly life with integrity and adhering to God’s Word. The “rules” for the Christian are God’s commandments, and the teachings of Jesus. Like an athlete who runs the race to please the Lord and gain the prize, we run the spiritual race to please God and receive His promised eternal reward as well as His divine blessings here in our life time.

Prayer:

Lord, root us and ground us in Your words and Your teachings. Prepare us daily so we can run in faith, perseverance, and integrity. Keep us disciplined and ready to do all that You would have us to do for Your name’s sake. In Your name Precious Lord, Amen!