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

Play by the Rules

Rick DeMont turned for the last lap of the 400-meter freestyle swimming final in the 1972 Olympics. He gave it all he had, and touched a split second ahead of Brad Cooper to win the gold medal.

Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee took the medal back when they discovered he used ephedrine, an illegal drug, even though Rick used it for asthma.

Although God does not deny Heaven to Christians because of sin, He does expect us to follow Him. Regrettably, some believers think, “Since I’m saved, I don’t have to follow God’s rules.”

To people like that, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me Lord and not do what I say?” God expects us to grow in obedience, to live sacrificially and follow His rules.

Lord, help me to grow in obedience, to live sacrificially and to follow Your rules. Amen.

— Gregory Spalding

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