The Solider, the Athlete, the Farmer

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 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. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:1-6

After hearing a sermon regarding this passage, I was moved to do this journal to analyze exactly how this applies to my life. Also upon hearing this sermon I was also moved to study this passage more in depth. After all that studying and all that research. I walked away with so many lessons. Here in this passage, Paul is writing what becomes his final letter he writes to him, because he dies not to long after. In this passage Paul draws upon the analogy of three distinct individuals. A solider, an athlete, and a farmer. Each whom need to have great discipline and endurance to do what they do. The solider has a single mindedness about him. Complete the objective. The athlete must train and compete in a certain way in order to win. That takes diligence. Finally the hardworking farmer, who gets up early to tend his field, relies totally upon the Lord.

Often times in my life I do not apply these principles in my life. I tend to pray to God and just hope that things get better. This was kind of a reminder that the life is not easy. It is tough, and it takes a lot of endurance, discipline, diligence, and a total reliance on God in order to make it work. A wise preach once expressed the idea is that it takes two to make life work, you and God. You have to work, God will take care of the rest. Simple as that. Follow the Lord with all your heart and work with all your strength, and pray that God brings the rain.

Oh Lord, I pray that you help me learn this lesson of diligene, discipline, and trust. Help me be single minded, discipline, and diligent. Help me not be a lazy farmer.

The message that brought me to reflection on this comes from here called ‘2009 Part 1’

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