Entangled
Entangled.Just as the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer persevere and focus on the job before them, so must we Christians not become immersed in the world, but rather focus on our God-given purpose here on this earth. After all, we should not live as others who have no hope, but rather should go forth rejoicing, as we labor for the Lord.
3 You therefore must endure
hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare
entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him
who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in
athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6
The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7
Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all
things.
2 Timothy 2:3-7, NKJV
Entangled
In Ecclesiastes 1:9 Solomon proclaimed, There is nothing new under the sun! No wonder we find the Bible so relevant to our daily lives. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, calling him to not be entangled with the affairs of life, giving three examples for us to consider.
Soldier
Just
as the soldier is not allowed to become embroiled with the affairs of
life, so we, as soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ, must not allow the
world to consume us. Our focus needs to remain constantly on our
service to God and the war that we fight against Satan and his spirits
of darkness. As a Christian, our goal is to please Christ who gave His
life to redeem us.
Athlete
I
have always been a great fan of the Olympics, and I love the fact that
we no longer have to wait four years between events. I love the figure
skating in the winter Olympics and the gymnastic competitions in the
summer Olympics. Each time a whole new set of athletes appear, often
having been training since they were toddlers. Their grace and
competence exemplifies their dedication to the sport, when for just a
few minutes, they stun the world with their grace and beauty. Yet, what
happens to those who have difficulty focusing in such a large arena of
spectators? Sports require both things, training and focus.
Farmer
Living
in Iowa, this is an example I can truly understand. In the springtime I
see the planters out from early morning until sunset getting the seed
into the ground. Throughout the summer the farmers cultivate the crops,
nurturing them until they reach full maturity. Then in the fall, it is
time for the harvest; farmers in this area often work through the night
getting the crops out, being the first ones to partake of their crops
and gain the reward of the fruits of their labor.
Final Lesson
What
is the final lesson for us? Just as the soldier, the athlete, and the
farmer persevere and focus on the job before them, so must we Christians
not become entangled in the world, but rather focus on our God-given
purpose here on this earth. After all, we should not live as others who
have no hope, but rather should go forth rejoicing, as we labor for the
Lord.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6, KJV
Devotional Reflections Home Page
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.