Why do people sometimes feel the need to cheat?
Is it because they believe the ends justify the means, even at the risk of getting caught and discredited?
Perhaps they don’t want to do the hard work involved, or they want to gain an edge over the competition.
In the days leading up to tomorrow’s Super Bowl, news agencies have pointed out the latest scandal in professional football.
They are calling it “Deflategate.” The term stems from an allegation that the New England Patriots used underinflated footballs in a Jan. 18 championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Was someone cheating to win? That's the question on football fans' minds.
There is an old saying: “Cheaters never prosper.” Sure, there may be some short-term gain because of cheating, but in the long run it does not pay off. One simply just has to look at the disgrace that has come to numerous sports figures or financial "wizards” to recognize this.
This same concern can be true in matters of faith. Some people think they simply need to declare themselves a Christian, and that makes them one.
But this is a form of cheating.
Being a Christian is more than mere words or good intentions. Being a Christian requires making a complete commitment to God through Jesus Christ, which means giving yourself over to him completely.
There are no shortcuts to being a Christian. It takes hard work and discipline. Just as an athlete must continuously train to remain in peak shape, so must a Christian train daily to maintain spiritual strength.
Try these "exercises" to strengthen your relationship with God:
•Pray. Doing this provides one of the most intimate times with God imaginable.
In prayer, you let your love, needs and desires be made known to God. You intentionally remember the Lord and enjoy that important and intimate time with him.
•Study the Bible. You learn more about God’s activity in the world today by knowing how he has been active throughout all of history.
•Practice Christian principles. Talking badly about someone, taking something that is not yours, being jealous and being irresponsible do not build your faith.
But living the Golden Rule — “Do to others as you would have others do to you" — does help strengthen your faith.
The apostle Paul says, “Run in such a way that you may win the race.” In other words, live your life in such a way that you will be truly qualified to reach the ultimate goal — eternal life in heaven.
Don’t get disqualified.
When you give your heart completely to Jesus Christ, you will have a deep yearning to be honest in building and maintaining your relationship with him.
Don’t cheat. Keep yourself strong in faith.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: 3 spiritual exercises to strengthen your faith