Compete According to the Rules

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 BSB 

In a disturbing story published by Canadian Running Magazine yesterday it was reported that The indoor track and field season for Virginia Class 3 high school athletes ended with a literal bang on Tuesday at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. In one of the wildest track and field videos ever captured, an athlete used her baton for more than just a smooth handoff during the second leg of the girls 4x200m relay final. Junior Kaelen Tucker of Brookville High School was poised to help her school secure the state 4x200m title when she suffered a blow to the back of her head from another competitor. This wasn’t just an accidental tap but a full-on smack with a metal relay baton, knocking her team out of the race. The incident occurred as Tucker passed a competitor from I.C. Norcom High School to move into second place on the bend. Race officials quickly disqualified the I.C. Norcom team for runner interference and unsportsmanlike conduct. Tucker’s mom later told ABC13 News there were no apologies or explanations from the other team.

And, you know, as sad as it is to say, displays of unsportsmanlike conduct have become so commonplace that I was appalled by the Norcom High athlete’s behavior but I was certainly not suprised. In a world where winning is applauded above integrity, people will justify breaking the rules to take home the prize. But the Bible is very clear that “an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Which means that any gain gotten by breaking the rules is really no gain at all, despite what the world says. In the same way, when we make up and follow our own rules to justify our sin rather than adhering to God’s commands, we fail to gain victory and are quickly disqualified. 

So, compete according to the rules my friend—by following the established guidelines and standards of the competition the Lord has laid out in the Bible. Resist the temptation to do anything that will take you off course and you will one day take hold of the crown. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that ONLY those athletes who compete according to the rules will inherit the crown of eternal life. Help us to be people known for their integrity Lord that we might represent You well as ambassadors for Christ, thereby bringing You glory and inspiring others to seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!