Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers

2 Timothy 2:4-7

"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

When we think of following Christ as a disciple, these three pictures may guide us on what that entails. A soldier does not get distracted with anything that is not his mission. What is our mission on earth? We are called to make disciples and claim victory over death and the enemy. We so easily are taken off of this objective, mostly because we do not see our enemy, but his tricks and schemes are vicious and subtle. We must be ever on our gaurd to combat him and his sinful forces. We can not become entangled with earthly things, but must keep our eyes heaven focused. Not that we are escapist, but rather that we are careful to remember that eternity is what matters most. In another way, following Jesus is like being an athlete. We can not jump into the field or court and do whatever we want. Following Jesus is not determined by our guidelines or emotions. We do not dictate what things we are willing to do and what things we are unwilling to do. Those that practice this, will not and cannot obtain the prize set before us (eternal life). No, Jesus said to follow Him, and He gave us a guide to lead us in His ways. Only the righteous may enter the Kingdom, and those who are righteous practice righteousness. We are saved by grace, of course, but the proof of the genuineness of that grace comes through our earnest pursuit of obedience to Christ. We can not say that we love Him and then ignore what He has said. Those who hear His words and do not do them are like fools building their houses on sand. Finally, the farmer who tends to the crops should be the first to taste of their fruit. The reward will come. Those that do not tend to the field given to them, will not reap the reward. God has given us each talents and gifts. He has given us work to accomplish. We are saved by grace, but for good works. We are promised eternal rest, but only after the work is finished. Stay true and steadfast in the work that the Master has placed you, and you will reap, if you do not lose heart. So three admonishing pictures: Keep focused, Obey God's calling, Remain steadfast. I encourage you, dear Christian to do the same.