The Long Haul

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he reminded his young protege to, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (2Timothy 2:3-6)

This is a mouthful. What exactly is Paul telling Timothy? First, paul tells Timothy to "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Being a soldier is not always fun. Sometimes it's downright tough. Often times your very life could be at stake, but endure anyway.

Secondly, he says "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer." Paul wanted to make sure Timothy did't get caught up in the things that were acceptable to society in Ephesus. It's so easy for us to get involved in what society tells us is "normal ". Paul reminds Timothy who it is we're working for, Christ Jesus.

Next Paul uses the analogy of competing as an athlete and finally the reward of the hard working farmer. The victor is not rewarded unless he competed according to the rules. There are no short- cuts. The Christian walk is a marathon but the crown (our great reward) is waiting for us at the end of the race - and much like a marathon, everyone who finishes wins, not just the first one across the line.

Stay focused. Satan wants to remind us of the wonderful "things" this life brings if only we give them some attention. Jesus tells us the "things" won't bring us any happiness at all and only treasures stored up in Heaven will mean anything.

Let's remember that when we plan our days and weeks to come.

Pastor Tony