Over the last two weeks, approximately 3500 elite athletes representing 93 countries gathered from every corner of the globe to compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in the beautiful Italian Alps. While the athletes compete in these sports, they must follow strict rules designed to ensure fair competition. But every year, it seems, there are disputes about the rules. This year, controversy has erupted over alleged infractions of the so-called “double touch” rule in curling. Athletes who are caught breaking rules during the Olympics can face immediate disqualification and may even be banned from the Olympics in the future. The International Olympic Committee is serious about the fact that athletes must compete according to the rules. In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul uses the imagery of an athlete to make the point that we as Christians must abide by God’s rules. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Just like the athlete must know the rules and follow the rules, so we must know God’s rules and follow God’s rules. 

First, just like the men and women competing in the Olympians, we must know the rules. It would be foolish if an athlete broke the rules and then challenged his disqualification by claiming: “I didn’t know that was the rule!” Athletes are expected to know the rules of their sport. The responsibility lies on them to be informed of the rules to which they are accountable. Ignorance is not an excuse. Similarly, we are responsible for knowing the rules God has given us for how to live. You and I know that God has revealed himself to us and that he has communicated his will for how we ought to live and what kind of people we ought to become. On the last day, you and I will not be able to stand before God and defend our ungodly living by claiming “I didn’t know that was what you wanted me to do!” God has revealed his will for us; it is our obligation to read and understand his Word and live it out as best we can with the help of his Spirit inside us. Second, like the athletes in the Olympics, we must follow the rules. It would make no sense to know the rules but refuse to follow them. If a competitor demonstrated such a high-handed contempt for the rules, he or she would certainly be disqualified. Knowing the rules is crucial, but just knowing them is not enough. We have to humble ourselves and follow the rules. This week, remember that you are an athlete for Christ; know the rules, and follow the rules. In the race of life, compete according to the rules, and then you can look forward to the crown of victory that God will give you at the end of your race.