3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
There is 3 main pictures that Paul wants to leave with Timothy in order that he may better understand what it means to suffer with and serve alongside of Christ.
The first of these 3 is the image of a soldier. In this picture, Paul describes to Timothy that soldiers focus on the battle that is at hand, and do not let themselves get caught up in civilian life. Ultimately they stay focused on the things that need to be focused on. The things they have been enlisted to do, for the officer they have been called to serve under.
Secondly is the picture of an Athlete. Reminding Timothy that in order for an athlete to win the prize, the must follow the rules. We have seen this time and time again in our current culture. Even recently as we watch baseball icons have their pride and even some of their status ripped away because of their "cheating the rules" through the abuse of steroids. The "rules" of the game that God has called us to should always be to us not a burden, but a means in which we can love God, and ultimately be used by him to the full extent which he wants to use us.
The last figure Paul uses is that of a Farmer. I find this one interesting as Paul describes "Hard working farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor" I think what Paul is describing here is that we should be enjoying the ministry that we get to be a part of, and we should continually celebrate the fruit that is born from such ministry. Ultimately it is the celebration of such fruit, when you can really see God at work in the ministry that keeps ministers wanting to do what they do.
Ultimately, I see Paul reminding each one of us that
we are called to be as a soldier: Focused and dedicated on the battle which we are prepared and armed for.
we are called to be as an athlete: enduring training, and remembering the rules that border us ultimately for the sake of success.
we are called to be as a farmer: Enjoying the fruits of ministry, and celebrating the movement of God through human beings!
Hey Brody,
ReplyDeleteI love it. I have been so convicted lately to be focused, like the soldier. To pursue integrity like an athlete. But I also need to be reminded to enjoy the fruit. Thank-you my friend. Pray for me as I long to focus. Nice work my friend. What we are a part of is eternally significant...don't forget that.