Following the Rules
“Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to Him?” -- Deuteronomy 4:6-7
Each new season starts out with a team meeting in which the coach goes over the team rules and states the expectations for the upcoming season. During this time, the coach makes sure that there is no question as to what will be required from the athletes.
The head coach will expect the players to follow the team rules, and he or she will generally set out rewards to the team for doing so. These rewards might include a letterman’s patch or pin, or they might include lighter conditioning in practice.
God is the Ultimate Head Coach. Just as a good earthly head coach goes over the rules, so does our Ultimate Head Coach. God gave His “team rules” to the Israelites through Moses, and He expected His team to follow those rules.
Like our coaches here on Earth, the Ultimate Head Coach also has different rewards for following His rules. But these rewards are not only earthly, they also are eternal. And knowing that you’ve impacted the kingdom of God is better than a letterman’s jacket any day.
- Are you following the rules your coach has set for the team?
- Do you need to turn your focus to the eternal rewards God has for you, rather than the rewards offered here on earth?
“Lord, show me Your ways. Give me an understanding of Your team rules so that I might be a light in the dark world. Amen.”
