“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”                                                        2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

I have seen it happen so many times, good people who do something wrong to get what they want … cheating to win … pursuing winning no matter the cost.

Teams have forfeited an entire season’s worth of victories for playing an ineligible man (or woman) on their team. Famous athletes have been stripped of titles and lost careers after cheating or performance enhancing drug use was discovered. 

Great athletes have lost focus and become misguided in the pursuit of the win. There are numerous athletic examples about dishonesty in winning a game, title, recognition, or status; but the same things happen with everyday people in the game of life.

I consider myself a rule follower, sometimes to the extreme. Yet, I have found myself tempted to take a short cut or two along the way. Who among us hasn’t looked for an easier road, considered cutting corners, or tried to find a loophole in life? 

Life is hard. Often even more difficult when you play by the rules.

When you consider the rules for any sport or game, they can be interpreted differently by different people. I recently learned a rule I was not aware of for the game of monopoly. As it turns out, if I had been following that rule those two day monopoly marathons wouldn’t have lasted that long and the game would have been more manageable and consequently more enjoyable. Somehow, I never noticed that rule or didn’t read carefully as a kid. I have been playing the game all wrong for years!

Now, I realize that ignoring or misinterpreting the rules of a board game is very minor compared to using steroids to advance your career. The point is the higher the stakes you are playing for the more important the rules become. There is one, universal rule none of us can afford to misread, misinterpret, or misunderstand.

In John 14:6, it states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.” (NLT)

As we play the game of life in pursuit of the ultimate win – eternal life, this one rule cannot be overlooked. Yet, it happens. You see it and so do I. Good people living good lives. Many falsely believing their good deeds and kind heart will get them into Heaven … but, it won’t.

No matter how nice you are to others. No matter how much money you give to the church or charities. No matter how many selfless acts you perform and no matter how good you are at your work, none of it adds up to winning if you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

Too many people, some calling themselves Christians, get caught up in living the good life – for show, for recognition. Some have become more interested in making their deeds known instead of making their Savior known. Some have lost focus. Some are sacrificing the long term victory for short term happiness or success. 

As we continue playing the game of life, working for the ultimate win, may we remember to play by the rules – even when it is hard. Remember to share the gift of salvation with others. Make sure everyone is clear on the real rules, especially the most important one of all. There is plenty of room in the winner’s circle and a victor’s crown for all who believe.

“I press on toward the goal of the upward call in Jesus Christ.”       Philippians 3:14