Ill Gotten Treasures Won’t Last

“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 10:2 NIV

In a story titled “Beijing half marathon under investigation after video appears to show competitors let Chinese runner win” published Tuesday, it was reported that Race officials are investigating a half-marathon in Beijing after videos online have led to overwhelming speculation that three African runners appeared to slow down in order to allow China's top long-distance runner, He Jie, to finish ahead of them. He, who won the Asian Games men’s marathon last year and holds the Chinese national record in the event after finishing the Wuxi Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes and 47 seconds, came in first place at the Mengniu Beijing Half Marathon on Sunday. He finished the race with a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes, 44 seconds. But controversy arose in the final moments of the race when a live stream of the event showed one of the runners appearing to usher He, who was trailing behind the pack, forward. 

And you know, when it comes to acquiring something by illegal, deceptive, dishonest or unfair means, the Bible tells us that “lll-gotten treasures have no lasting value.” Which means that He Jie (if indeed it’s proven that he cheated as the evidence clearly suggests he did) might appear to be a “winner” now, but will only have gained the fleeting approval and accolades of man. By choosing to behave in a way that’s contrary to the righteous way God calls us to live, Jie forsook the precious benefit of being right with God… a benefit that’s not only eternal (unlike fame and fortune), but a benefit that no amount of money can buy. 

So while it can be tempting to get ahead and gain treasures by trickery and subterfuge, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can hold on to it my friend. You may appear to have gained it all, but all you have gained by doing so will soon be gone at the expense of gaining the only thing that will last into eternity… a right relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that ill-gotten treasures are really no treasures at all since they won’t last. Help us to focus only on what’s eternal Lord so that we would work only to achieve those things. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!