What Game Are You Playing?

Sept. 29

Read: 2Timothy 2:1-13

What Game Are You Playing?

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (v.5)

Imagine being asked to compete in the Olympics. For some of us, our fastest and strongest days seem far behind us and the idea of “competing” in anything seems silly! For others of us, we might be ready to go and compete tomorrow. No matter your current state of athleticism, I would guess that the idea of being invited to compete in the Olympics would be an honor… and when you imagine competing it would be fun.

Paul uses Olympic imagery to spark the imagination of Timothy and encourage him in his walk with the Lord and the leading of God’s people. Some people LOVE competition while others shy away from it, but in a sense: all Christians are “competing”. This is why Paul reminds us: “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (v.5) All of the “training effort” and athleticism is wasted if an athlete shows up and ignores the rules… Or of they seek to compete without even knowing “the game”. This is why Paul is so concerned with “sound teaching” and a community of faith that can “rightly handle the word of God”. (v. 2:15) This is why the scriptures say:

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (v. 2:1,2)

The word of God and the Spirit of God invite us to the games… they lead us into the event… they give us the “rules” that we compete by. Like the rules of any good board game, they are designed to make the game exciting and enjoyable. The rules within the events of the Olympics are not designed to crush joy or frustrate the athletes… they are designed to create an exciting event that is enjoyable for others to watch as well as test the strength and capacity of the athletes. The game only works because of the rules! The people of God “teach others” the “rules” that have been given by the Word and by the Spirit. (v. 2) This is how the “game” is played. If you do not know the game, then you cannot compete appropriately.There is “no crown” for an athlete do does not compete according to the rules. The “crown” is an award… and acknowledgement… it is something that brings joy and marks the event. It is a good thing!

So what game are you playing? Who made up the rules of your game… who taught them to you? Or are you making them up as you go? God is calling his children into the excitement and challenge of competing in HIS “games”… into the proverbial Olympics of the Kingdom of God. He is teaching us through his Word, his Spirit, and his People. He has a set of rules that we play by… and they are different than the world’s set of rules! You cannot play God’s games by your rules nor by the rules of the world. We look to him to coach us in this race. We look to him to set the course. Therefore, “let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb. 12:1,2) After all, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor. 9:24) May we compete as ones who will wear the crown with Jesus one day! Love you guys. - JDP