April 20
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SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. – 2 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he reminds them to be strong and be able to depend on the grace that the Lord Jesus has granted them. In verse 2, Paul wants them to pass on all the teachings that they have learned from him so that the teachers will propagate and teach the gospel. Nothing will be kept within them, but everything they have learned from Paul will be extended and expanded so that the gospel will be preached everywhere.
In verse 3, he advises them to suffer hardship just like a good soldier would. This concept of embracing suffering is something that is counter intuitive to the world. Humans in general will avoid suffering and chase after the easy life. The cost of being a disciple is high as Luke 14:25-33 indicates. Someone who isn’t willing to give up life’s conveniences and comfort must re-think if they can really afford to be a follower of Christ. Some people think that declaring some words to be a Christian is good enough be a follower. It is interesting how Paul likens a disciple as a soldier, who undergoes rigid training to ensure that he is ready for the battle (suffering or hardships). If he wasn’t trained enough, he could either be killed or be defeated in the battle. In verse 5, Paul also mentions the athletes who competes following certain criteria and rules. In verse 7, he also likens the believers to a hard-working farmer who needs to be rewarded for his share of the crops that he patiently and diligently sowed.
Some people are not willing to suffer any hardship, let alone be a soldier for Christ. Have you trained in righteousness? Have you given up the comforts of life just to be a good follower of Jesus? Are you willing to die and give up your own life for the sake of Jesus or for the sake of someone else? Are you able to let go of all things that hinder your walk with Christ?
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REFLECTION
• What areas of your life still needs training to qualify to be a soldier for Christ?