Every board and card game has a specific sets of rules. These instructions are designed to avoid chaos and maintain decorum until the conclusion of a game. From time to time, houses rules will be created by a group or family that is stated prior to beginning. Nonetheless, when no one is looking at you, will you attempt to improve your chances of winning or will you play by the rules?
And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down), 2 Timothy 2:5.
While writing a teenage pastor, the apostle Paul addresses conduct that Christians should demonstrate when participating in a competitive game. Prior to the start, you should be aware of the rules. If you’re unsure of something, speak up and raise any question that you may have so that you can fairly compete with everyone else. Once a game begins, everyone should all be on the same page so that the ultimate winner plays by the rules.
[It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits. 7 Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything, 2 Timothy 2:6-7.
In another letter to Christians in Galatia, Paul provides expectations to follow, Galatians 5:16-25.. This outline illustrates how to behave and how not to behave. Yet, before you live up to God’s standards, one must fully grasp and understand how to emulate fruits of the Holy Spirit. However, until you tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, you won’t be able to fully play by God’s rules.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 