A SOLDIER
Read 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
In the passage today and for the next few days, Paul likens the Christian life to that of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Today, we examine the life of a soldier. Paul says three things about the good soldier:
1) Good soldiers suffer hardship with others (v. 3);
When it comes to suffering, the idea Paul is stressing here to Timothy is that he is not to be afraid to suffer. The Greek form of this command emphasizes suffering together with others. He is literally saying, “Join the ranks of those who bear suffering” (Goodspeed’s translation). Indeed, we are all fellow soldiers in the army of God whose mission is the furtherance of the kingdom of God on earth. Waging war is not without wounds and battle scars. The need for camaraderie on the battle field is critical to the success and perseverance of each soldier. When it comes to fulfilling your mission as God’s soldier, who is at your side? Who is there to pick you up when you fall? And who are you picking up when they fall?
2) Good soldiers are focused in their efforts (i.e. they are highly disciplined) (v. 4a);
Among the hardships of a soldier is the continual difficulty of choosing the right priorities from a long list of potential selections. Paul has in mind here the picture of single-mindedness. The goal is always set before him; his choices are made to fulfill the mission; he avoids those things that would only hinder or distract from the fulfillment of the mission. Now, there are things that are good in life – things that are permissible by all means. But then there are things that are better in life that help one progress further toward Christ. Perhaps the most difficult thing for us as soldiers of Christ is not letting the distractions of the world replace our real mission on earth. How we spend our time and expend our energies says much about the real mission in our lives. Let’s be honest about one thing: the entanglement of the world is unavoidable when we let the world seep into our lives unregulated and unfiltered. Life has a way of entangling us when we just let it go. It takes a conscious effort to stay focused on God’s mission.
3) Good soldiers are committed to carrying out the desires of their commanding officer (v. 4b).
When it comes to choosing from all of life’s choices, it is this one characteristic that helps a soldier determine his or her priorities. Doing what pleases God is the defining criteria for decision making. It is, without coincidence, what keeps one from getting entangled in the affairs of everyday life. If we ask ourselves what is most pleasing to the Lord, that will help us at the very least narrow down our choices.
Two characteristics stand out here (and it will be seen again in tomorrow’s passage) – hard work and discipline.
Now I don’t know about you, but I consider myself a fairly hard worker. The funny thing is, though, the reason I have to work so hard is because I am so undisciplined! We really need to have both. Some people are both very disciplined and very hard workers. I would say that most people are not both (I could be wrong, however.). Your mission this week as God’s soldier is to consider where you are weakest and then do something about it. If you struggle working hard, get someone working with you to push you along. If you are undisciplined, set a very specifc time in your schedule to carry out the important matters of life. If you are in a Home Group, this is an opportunity to let others help you. Look for advice and accountability. We are soldiers – let’s not forget that while the victory is won, the battle rages on until the Lord’s triumphant return.