A FALSE START in the Olympics is an immediate disqualification. If you take PEDS, it’s an immediate disqualification. “Trying to lose to form a more favorable draw” ends in disqualification. A timeout violation- disqualification. Tampering with team equipment will get you a swift disqualification. And there’s more.

Some of these sound silly, but everyone has to play by the same rules. Olympians know the rules, they are not unknown to the participant. So, if he is disqualified the Olympian cannot say, “nobody told me the rules!” The Apostle Paul tells us to consider what he says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” II Timothy‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭Paul is relating to Timothy the necessity of living life like an athlete, willing to live a sacrificial life of strict discipline according to the Word of God.

Furthermore, Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (See Galatians 5:19-21) Disqualified conveys the idea of “being rejected” after a trial. Paul uses this same word for “reprobate”, an unprincipled, immoral person. The word “discipline” in the Greek translates as “slave driver” of my flesh; an undisciplined person is disqualified. Not in your own strength, but with the help of the Spirit- ALL things are possible, especially pure and holy living. You cannot make yourself holy, but you can decide to let Jesus make you holy and position yourself to live holy. We cannot say we didn’t know the rules. Read your manual and be strong in the power and grace to overcome the flesh that’s found only in Jesus! #runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page