2 Timothy 2:3–7 (NLT): 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.
The Lord is always good and His mercy and love for us never lack nor fail. I was reading 2 Timothy the other morning and several passages really stood out and settled on my heart. The first is 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful;”, praise You God and thank You! No matter our feelings, intentions, actions or words, You still love us and are there for us. This tied directly into the main verses for this message, 2 Timothy 1:3-7 above. I read 2 Timothy and at first they seemed random, like Paul just plugged them in without a purpose. That is when the Holy Spirit clearly communicated with me that nothing is random in the Word of God. Every word, phrase and verse has a purpose and an attributable lesson that we should dig in to. As I continued to study and pray for understanding, it was like the Lord just opened my eyes all at once. When it was revealed, it makes perfect sense. As Paul is writing to Timothy, he is outlining several basic life principles that we should all take notice and live by. The first is, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Life is not easy and your walk with Christ was never intended to be without trials and troubles. If you notice Paul mentions soldiers. I thought this was not fitting until I really thought about a soldier. Soldiers are typically deployed away from home. Is that not us, we are on this earth but not of this earth. When deployed they typically are in foreign lands, doing what is noble but it can be lonely, isolating, difficult and not without tragedy. Last, they endure. They are trained and conditioned to go the distance, rise above the situation and be the difference where ever they are. That is why church is so important, we as soldiers need a physical connection. We need our platoon, our support, our training. Fore sake not the gathering of God’s people, it is more important than you realize. Second, “Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them”. Soldiers don’t get involved in the gossip and day to day idol intricacies that bring so many people down. We are to be in this world but not of this world. How can we ever be the difference if we are throwing our pearls to the pigs (Mt. 7:6). Third, “And athletes can not win the prize unless they follow the rules.” We are instructed to follow God’s commandments and above all else, take the high road. We live in a fallen world and with more awareness of God’s Word comes more responsibility. We should always keep in mind and remember we live with people. People are not perfect, I am not perfect. We make mistakes, we can say incorrect things or do the wrong things at the wrong times. That is why the greatest commandment is to love, simply love as you have been loved and forgive as you have been forgiven. Follow God’s commandments, take the high road and be the light! Fourth, “And hard working farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor”. God’s wants you and I to have a good time and enjoy our time on this earth. Not only enjoy it on occasion or when you go on vacation in the summer, but enjoy every day you are given to make a difference. Every day is a gift from God and every day should be celebrated for the opportunity to share His good news and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! What an honor that you and I were created for this time in history. We were placed on this earth at this very moment with a covering of blessings and favor. When we accepted the Holy Spirit to live within us, it opened the door that we may be filled with His joy, His peace and His righteousness. Always remember, a door must be opened and the choice is yours to make. Enjoy your days, enjoy the fruit that you are blessed with and above all, enjoy and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Last, “Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding in all things”. As you begin to serve God with all of your heart, soul and mind, He begins to reveal His glorious nature, knowledge and understanding to you. As you draw closer to God, He draws closer to you and in Him, He opens your eyes to see this world as He does. You begin to see the grumpy person for the heartbroken soul they are. You begin to see the need of a friend who just needs to know they are loved, you see the financial need of the person down the street or you just see the need of the person that needs a hug. God’s service is not always astronomical or big, most times it is a small text or just a word for someone that can make the difference. Be the difference, be obedient to His calling and watch how God’s knowledge and wisdom begin to open up and reveal how He sees your environment. Once you have His revelation, the unforgiveness, the pent up anger, the fleshly desires and the carnal image of those around you fade away and your heart begins to love unconditionally and your soul is filled with His peace and joy. I pray this message was as impactful to you as it was me and that your days will never be the same and your walk with the Lord a true inspiration for who He created you to be!
Dear Lord, thank You for Your word, Your guidance and above all else, Your unconditional love. I pray that your wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment would pour out upon each and every person reading this message. That You would surround them with Your protection and that Your strength, endurance and self control would be within them. We love You and give You all the honor, glory and praise! In Jesus’ mighty name we pray! Amen.
Shalom!
Photo from Mary Jones
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