2 Timothy 2 verse 5:

“Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”.

In harmony with the image of the conflict and the race, the crown here is not the emblem of sovereignty, but of victory. The reward then which is meant by the emblem comes through effort and conflict. We are not crowned, except we take part.

The Christian life is one of service, we need to enter the Newness of Life by accepting all that Our Lord and Our Friend won on the Cross for us. By entering the new life there must be advancement in our lives, like a long distance athlete, running toward the winners crown.

As an athlete will tell you, they prepare for the long haul, and they need to put in effort and accept there will be conflict along the way. Four disciplines that will help us, on our way.

Don’t be complacent.

Depend upon God’s mercy and Grace.

Humility in attitude.

Contrite faith in God.

If we can humbly say, ‘For me to live is Christ’, then it is well, no matter what we go through, we belong to Him.

God Bless

OFJ