Every race that men run has rules. Paul said, "if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Tim. 2:5). A hundred-yard dash run for a high-school track meet is 100 yards long. It has starting and finishing lines. There is some type of signal that starts the athletes. If these rules are ignored, the violator is disqualified. The same is true for the Olympics or the Boston Marathon. Rules apply. The Boston Marathon is 26 miles 385 yards long. There have been those who go off course in an attempt to shorten that distance and speed up their time. They are considered cheaters and put to shame.
The same basic principle is true with the one race that matters, the race for the crown of life (1 Cor. 9:24-27). It has rules; the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21; cf. Gal. 6:2). Those who compete in it must adhere to the rules. Here are some basics.
The starting point is the new birth, by water and Spirit (Jn. 3:3-5; Rom. 6:3, 4). The course is the narrow way (Matt. 7:13, 14). There is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God (Eph. 4:4-6). Deviation from this narrow path is a violation of the rules and brings disqualification. The way to lawfully reach the finish line is only through the course set before us by God. Yes, you can stray off course and by the mercy of God get back on it. But, as long as one stays off course, there is no hope of reaching the finish line and receiving the prize. The finish line is essentially death. If we are on course at that point, God will recognize we have finished the race lawfully (1 Thes. 4:14-17). When the judgment comes, He will give us the crown of life, the prize for which we ran (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
There may be an "easier" path to follow. We may find less resistance when we leave the narrow way. We will certainly have more companions, but there will be no prize. Rather, there is only misery and suffering (2 Thes. 1:7-9). Thus, we must submit to the rules, follow the course, endure the rigorous challenge, and keep our eyes on the prize.
— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com
