| Our verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5 |
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| 2 Timothy 2:5 says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” |
| A Little Mistake can bring a Major Loss. The Apostle Paul is discipling Timothy as he writes 2 Timothy. Timothy is STRUGGLING so to help him (and us) understand what it takes to FINISH WELL the ministry that has been given to him Paul uses some down-to-earth practical examples. For instance, he told Timothy to think of himself as a SOLDIER in verses 4 and 5 of 2 Timothy. He reminds him that the SOLDIER has to be single-minded for his commander and that the soldier must ENDURE HARDSHIPS. He will tell him in verse 6 about the HARD-WORKING FARMER and that the work will result in a crop to be enjoyed. Here in verse 5 the Apostle Paul uses the world of sports to teach the important lesson of LIVING and MINISTERING WITH INTEGRITY. Paul gives Timothy a beautiful word picture of ATHLETES competing. Can you see runners standing in their starting positions awaiting the signal to run for the win, for the victory, for the prize, for the gold, for the crown? To Timothy and to us Paul says there is the absolute necessity that an athlete must compete with character to capture a crown. There can be no CHEATING! I suspect the Apostle Paul knew very well the RULES for competing in the Greek Olympics. Regarding the rules of the Greek Olympics, I read the following from HISTORY.com. “Athletes breaking the rules could be disqualified and publicly whipped, and competitors and judges found guilty of bribery could pay hefty fines, some of which were used to finance bronze statues of Zeus erected near the entrance to Olympia’s stadium. On the statue for all to see as they entered was the inscription, “Victory is to be achieved by speed of feet and strength of body, not with cash.” In other words, competitors were to compete with character to capture the crown! They were to compete according to the rules! The character of the champion counted!! The Apostle Paul spoke of himself regarding running a race with integrity and stated he did not want to be disqualified. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that he “disciplined” his body and brought it into subjection, lest, when he had preached to others, he should become disqualified!” The mindset of the apostle Paul needs to be our mindset!! Discipline yourself! LEAD YOURSELF FIRST! Years ago I heard a statement that I have tweaked just a little. It goes like this: Don’t expect your gifts, talents, abilities, and even past achievements to take you where your character can’t keep you. With that challenge it might be good to review Hebrews 12:1. Remember that it speaks of running the race God has for you and running it by LAYING ASIDE THE SIN THAT ENSNARES YOU. “Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Please take the necessary action(s) so you can compete according to the rules and complete the race God has for you!! Remember that one little mistake can bring a major loss. Verse to DATE the Word on February 5 (2/5) is 2 Timothy 2:5. It says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Continue Strong with character and integrity And remember to DATE THE WORD For further study on this, you might consider some sports heroes who lost their crowns after it was determined they cheated. You might consider some Christian leaders who made some very bad sinful decisions. You might consider some Biblical examples who made some very bad sinful decisions. Remember that greater men and women have fallen so always be on GUARD. |