MY WAY

READING: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-7

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

In addition to what was offered in yesterday’s reading regarding this same verse, here is another thought. This verse also exposes an attitude that is present in the world today. Many, just because their hearts are set on something, assume they deserve whatever it is that they want. There is a strong and deceived notion of entitlement that is firmly entrenched among them. Rules or standards that oppose what these people want, are rejected. If something is contrary to their desires, their expectation is that it will be changed to favor them, overlooked or disregarded. When these people are insistent enough, at times they succeed in gaining concessions. These gains are temporal and worldly, and reinforce an attitude of disregard for order that is spiritually dangerous. This is an attitude that defies the spiritual reality established by Paul in this verse. If heavenly rewards are to beobtained, that must come through respect and adherence to the rules that are provided for that purpose. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. In what other ways is competing in athletics an effective metaphor for Christian living?

2. What scripture can you identify that refutes attitudes of entitlement?