Run to get the crown

"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." 2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

In running news that quickly went viral, the New York Times reported the following yesterday after Sha'Carri Richardson, America's star-sprinter in the 100-meter individual event, was not chosen to be on the U.S. relay team at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana (something that clearly goes against the rules of the USATF): Richardson, who admitted she used marijuana and said she had done so to cope with the death of her biological mother and the pressure to perform at the U.S. track and field Olympic trials, could have been selected for the women’s 4x100-meter relay race, an event the U.S. women are favored to win and her last option for competing in the Games. Richardson, 21, the fastest American woman, was suspended for 30 days for the drug violation, and her victory in the 100 meters at the trials was invalidated... In a statement released Tuesday, U.S.A. Track and Field expressed its sympathy to Richardson and called for a re-evaluation of antidoping rules on marijuana use. However, the organization said it would harm its team if it amended its selection rules to make room for Richardson after the conclusion of the trials competition.

And you know, while some people might try and justify the reason Sha'Carrie decided to smoke the banned substance, it doesn't change the fact that she violated the rules set forth by the USATF Organization; with the consequences of doing so clearly defined by the governing authorities. And the same is true with us. As athletes in the race to the final finish line, we are commanded to follow the rules set forth in the Bible by the ultimate Governing Authority. And as Paul told Timothy, "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." In other words, an athlete can't make up the rules as he or she pleases or justify the reasons they went against them--they must compete according to the rules God laid out in the Bible if they want to obtain their reward. 

So refuse the temptation to do anything that is contrary to God’s law my friend, no matter how the world might try to rewrite His laws or justify breaking them. Because if we are to receive the crown, we must run the race with integrity, honesty, and strict adherence to God's commands. There's no other way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the rules You have set forth in the Word do not change and will never change. Give us the strength to follow those rules in the face of temptation, ridicule and persecution. Help us to run the race as faithful athletes that we might one day claim our crown and hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!