No prize unless we compete according to the rules

Today, I will encourage you to learn from the athlete. Athletes teach the world how God created man and how He expects man to live. Thus, to focus on wining and nothing less. The athlete focuses on nothing but to win with whatever he/she is equipped or talented to do whether using the legs, the hands, the head, or any other means. He focuses on the prize, believes and hope, equips and prepare himself constantly for it. He pays attention to instructions, plays by the rules so he can do what he does right. Apostle Paul says, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules” 2 Timothy 2:5.

He focuses not on the opponent but on himself. No matter who the opponent is, he trains with the belief and hope to win. Through this vessel, God shows how man is created. No matter the gender, size, race, geographic location, education, occupation, etc. man is created to win and to stay winning. A goal or win by an individual or the team is a win for all. This win or goal brings countries, societies, and communities together.

No wonder how much money is spent on sports. Winning is man’s identity. We will do anything to win or get people to win on our behalf. And when we lose, we encourage ourselves to get back to it and still believe and hope to win. God uses them to teach us this wisdom. When we fail to see the real essence and Jesus behind the sport, it only becomes just an entertainment, but God wants us to learn from the athlete. Believe in winning, focus on it, prepare for it, do it right and when you lose a game, be encouraged, repeat the lesson and win the next. Christ is your strength, you can do all things.