Soldiers, Athletes, Farmers

“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me… By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you…

“Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 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… Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 1:12,14; 2:1-6,15

Soldiers, athletes, farmers, workers all. In God’s kingdom, each owns a trust assigned by God, varied talents, roles, and responsibilities that train for godliness, stand as illustration, and when rightly handled, bring divine approval. The heavenly deposit given is to be guarded in faithfulness and put to use with purpose and for fruitfulness that pleases the Giver. Soldiers do not compete as athletes who do not work and wait as farmers, but each is exemplary. Paul was so convinced of his Lord’s call that his sole desire was to fulfill it. He poured zeal and focus to compete in and finish the race marked out for him. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 3:8-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Daily pressures can mount in seemingly insurmountable measure. Always the new urgency, always the distractions, and always the want for ease that lure us off course. When we ask, the Spirit will give us order in priorities and show us His way. What am I spending time and energy on that another might another be able to do as well? Am I investing in what only I am particularly gifted and called to do? What lessons is the Lord teaching? (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:9)

Sometimes we’re mired in a grueling battle, wounded at unjust treatment, a misunderstanding, a loved one’s pain, shame over things done or regret over things undone. God calls us to press forward, eyes on Him who trains in skill and triumph. Stay armed in His strength and persevere under His command. Where are we tempted to shrug off God’s authority or help, or give up fighting for what’s right? (Psalm 18:34-39; Ephesians 6:10-18)

Sometimes the contest or race seems too arduous. We flag in energy, the finish line too far. We want to cut corners, even give up. But God designs every cobble and curve for His purposes. His strength is perfected in our weakness. Will we confess our doubts and keep pressing on for the victor’s crown? (2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 3:14)

Sometimes life’s routine seems too long in the waiting. We have done what’s required but see no results. We’ve planted, prayed, persisted, with little growth or progress. Is impatience or discouragement eating away at otherwise developing spiritual fruit? What might Christ be doing on a deeper or larger scale?

Lord, may I know You well, guard Your trust, and work faithfully, hopefully, to Your ends and glory.