Articles
Cheaters Do Not Win
“Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Tim. 2:5)
As a child, I was a sports enthusiast – hard to believe since I grew up in a household with little interest in athletics! However, I do remember one individual whom even my dad idolized – Lance Armstrong. Like dad, I admired this man for many reasons.
Lance Armstrong overcame cancer! Not just in one easily curable form, but the cancers of all cancers! Two of the nastiest and emasculating forms of cancer out there! What an amazing feat! But this in itself is not totally unique. There are certainly others that have accomplished the same twofold victory, but one might be hard-pressed to name anyone else offhand. Why? Because what really separated him from the rest was what he accomplished in addition to beating cancer.
Lance Armstrong was an historic cyclist. In fact, many would have recognized him as one of the most talented cyclists of all time. He won a record seven consecutive Tour de France titles and countless other prestigious bike races around the world. He created one of the most recognized charities in the world, the Livestrong Foundation, to help support cancer patients. He rose to fame quickly because of all that he accomplished. But just as soon as he rose in fame, he came crashing down.
In June 2012, Lance Armstrong was convicted of doping by the USADA. He was stripped of his Tour de France titles, Olympic medal, and was banned from professional racing for life. Although he originally denied the findings, irrefutable evidence forced him to admit them in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2013. Despite his attempts to cheat and win, the truth came out.
Lance Armstrong exemplifies the great truth of humanity’s spiritual existence, only those who follow the rules are entitled to the crown of victory. Paul made this spiritual connection to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:5. People must recognize that all unwilling to compete according to the rules, will not obtain the prize.
Why were Lance Armstrong’s medals taken from him? Because he did not compete according to the rules. Why is it not right for John Dillinger to be preached into Heaven? Because he did not follow God’s rules. These simple examples demonstrate that we too must follow the rules. Why? 1) Jesus spoke the Truth. 2) Jesus is Just. 3) Jesus’ Sacrifice is Purposeful. 4) Following His Rules is Beneficial. 5) Studying the Rules Is Vital. 6) Jesus Condemned Cheating. 7) Jesus Gave Us Rules to Follow.
Jesus gave rules to help us, to guide us, and to correct us. He set out rules so that men and women alike would know how to get to Heaven. Get to know those rules and follow them with all diligence. Only then can we hope to gain the prize! Only then can we win!
Let’s close with some of the last words that the Apostle Paul wrote for our instruction. Jesus allowed him to show us the benefit of looking back on a life well-lived; a life in which the rules were followed. Let us all be diligent to make this same affirmation of faith with full assurance that we are not disqualified from Heaven – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2Tim. 4:7f).
