By Pastor Don Schatz

Life Together

“And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.” 
II Timothy 2:t New Revised Standard Verion

My son and grandson went to one of the six World Cup games in Seattle.  They had great seats and a great time!  Those athletes are fit, aren’t they?Name any sport and the athletes train to stay in top shape.  Okay, those of you who are thinking, “What about curling athletes?”  Hey, some of us like curling.  It takes muscle to sweep the ice.  It takes flexibility to bend those knees!  In curling, as in any sport, there are rules.  Is Paul correct that cheaters are never crowned victorious?  Those are the exceptions that prove the general rule.  Pun intended.

Are the commandments rules?  For the children of God, believers in Jesus, we speak of the commandments as rules for holy living.  For living the redeemed life.  For walking the talk.  Jesus gave us a new commandment, didn’t he?  “Love one another.”  Now, my son and grandson did not see the opposing teams giving each other big hugs.  But in the community of faith, their are no sides.  There is the “rule” of Christ.  Love one another.

We are athletes.  Spiritual athletes running to receive the prize.  One caveat.  Jesus already gained the prize for us.  We run the sure race, we live together in the community of faith, living as the Lord wants us to live, heading for the prize of eternal life and salvation.  The prize already guaranteed to us.  And no cheating is involved.  God has moved us from ‘spectator’ to ‘athlete.’  And he has won the race for us.

Still, life in the world can be challenging.  Training in righteousness–reading the Scriptures, an active prayer life, regular gathering with the community of faith for worship, fellowship and celebration–these are essential practices for God’s athletes.  These are essential practices achieving the prize.  “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” Revelation 2:10-11.  So Jesus said to the church at Smyrna.  So he says still to us.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado