The Paris Olympics this year remains one of the most disastrous outings for Nigeria in recent memories. A contingent of nearly 90 athletes and officials returned without a single medal. Tobi Amusan who holds the world record in 100 meters hurdles did not make it to the final, having finished third in the heat. I believed she was under too much pressure, carrying the weight of an entire nation that has put its hopes in her. The quartet in 4 by 400 meters came second in their heat, posting also a Season’s Best time of 2 minutes 59.81 seconds. However, they did not make it to the finals as they were disqualified. The judges observed that the Nigerian runners crossed lanes and that led to the tripping of a South African runner. Consequently, the spot won by Nigeria was given to South Africa.

God is interested in more than the results we post. He is also interested in how we arrive at those results…The crown of glory belongs to those who run according to rules.

This brings us to a truth of scripture which I often find scary – the importance of keeping to the rules. A lot of people are carried away by the speed at which some folks attain set goals. They are bemused at the seeming success that others are displaying. What they forget is that heaven holds a different perspective. God is interested in more than the results we post. He is also interested in how we arrive at those results. If we violate ethical, moral, scriptural principles, those results will not count in our favour. They will come under the works that will burn when subjected to fire. The crown of glory belongs to those who run according to rules.