Are We Victorious Athletes?

Near the end of his life, Paul the apostle wrote to Timothy and gave him an entrustment. He asked him to pass on what he had learned to some reliable people (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul knew that his legacy was dependant on Timothy’s faithfulness.

To make his point, Paul used three pictures of dependability: a good soldier, a victorious athlete, and a hard-working farmer.

In the case of the athlete, he wrote, “…Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules…” (2 Timothy 2:5).

To abide by the rules seems a strange quality to mention. I think I would have illustrated reliability by highlighting an athlete’s discipline, strength, or fitness.

But Paul chose an athlete who knew the expectations – who followed the rules – who didn’t take shortcuts – who refused to cross the set boundaries – who didn’t cheat. Maybe these are better yardsticks for faithfulness?

Are we fully aware of what is required of us?

Do we work within divine parameters?

Are we rule keepers or rule breakers?

Will we receive a victor’s crown?

Robert