“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5).

In this context the apostle Paul speaks of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer (see 2 Tim. 2:1-7). Of course, with all three of these illustrations from everyday life he is making a spiritual point and application. The Christian will not receive the crown of life, if we fail to run our race to heaven “according to the rules” that Jesus Christ has given us.

I realize that when it comes to many professing Christians that they are turned off by the terms “rules,” “law,” and “commandments” - but such an attitude does not change the reality of their existence and our responsibility to keep them to be blessed and received by God. After one has become a disciple of Christ, been baptized into Him (Matt. 28:19), Jesus said: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20). The Lord also said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15; cf. 15:14). The apostle John would later write: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). God’s commandments (instructions, rules, law) will certainly challenge us at times, but they are not too heavy or difficult for us to do.

Sadly, there are many who are very religious, sincere, and zealous for God, but fail to compete according to the rules, and as a consequence will ultimately be lost (see Matt. 7:21-27; Luke 6:46; Rom. 10:1-3). Remember that Jesus is “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). So, what about you? Are you presently competing “according to the rules” (i.e., following the teachings of the New Testament without adding or taking away from the new covenant of Jesus Christ)?

Of course, it is critically important that we also bear in mind the words of Jesus in Luke 17:10. “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Saved by grace through faith.