Play by the Rules

The Olympics are essentially the greatest contest of athleticism between nations of the world. Going to the Olympics is a dream for athletes of all ages. But getting there is no accident. It takes a lot of hard work, a love for the sport, good technique, financial support...to name a few things. But, like many contests, there are rules that have to be followed. This year there have already been protests concerning the rules—specifically Rule 50. 

Rule 50 is about framing a neutral venue at the Olympics: “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” In an age of limited speech and cancel culture due to offensive icons, why would this be an issue at the Olympics? Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:5, "Anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules." What are the rules for the Christian in a culture that is both easily offended, and blatantly materialistic? 

Regardless of the actual issues in the media right now concerning Olympic protests, consider the “stand for your rights” from a spiritual perspective. I’m not downplaying any motivation behind any kind of protest; at the heart of it, there is a message on their mind that they believe the world needs to hear. Jesus showed up to a culture that was politically super-charged. A lot of anxious and violent energy was brewing in the hearts of many Jewish people as they anticipated the Messiah’s arrival to bring liberation! 

Yet, Jesus showed us how to conduct ourselves many times, and He spoke extensively about it in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). That sermon echoed Moses’ sermon by saying, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all His commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world” (Deuteronomy 28:1). 

Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “I warn you as temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world…” (NLT) 

Expressing ourselves is important to many people, but knowing when and how to share your innermost thoughts and feelings is vital to social stability. Jesus often told those He healed to tell no one what happened but to go show themselves to the priest (Matthew 8:4; Luke 5:14). 

Satan is deceitful and works within our minds to convince us to throw caution and respect to the wind and “say what’s on our mind” at any cost. Sadly, that brings more pain than peace. Consider how you can demonstrate the proper spiritual restraint at the right time.