“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 hard-working 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.” II Timothy 2:1-7
When a person enters the army, he separates from civilian affairs. Allegiance is pledged and total obedience to authority is required. Beginning in basic training, a soldier understands that hardship is part of the package, but suffering is embraced for a greater good.
My good friend Tim did a tour in Afghanistan and continues to serve our country as a member of the Army Reserve. We were talking recently and he shared the importance of the concept of Esprit de Corps. This is a French term that translates to Spirit of the Body.
Tim told me, “Our hope for success does not rely on the strength of the individual soldier but rather in the ability of the group to work together in pursuit of a common mission – even in the face of fierce opposition. We not only have to be dedicated to a goal, we must be committed to one another. Total commitment is essential.”
Paul used the military as one of three comparisons to help Timothy grasp what it takes to be a fruitful disciple. We are saved by grace, but God’s grace is not cheap. Paul urged a younger man to “be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus.”
“Be like a good soldier; be like a world-class athlete; be like a hard-working farmer.” All three of these challenges point to dedication, effort, and sacrifice. We cannot be successful out of our own strength, but it might take every ounce of effort and energy to accomplish what Jesus asks us to do.
In captivity in Jerusalem, the Lord said to Paul: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify about me in Rome.” The next day, over forty men pledged to kill Paul. Then Paul was escorted by Roman soldiers to Caesarea where he stayed in prison over two years. Falsely accused by the Jews, Paul appealed to Caesar and eventually was placed on a ship headed to Rome. The ship wrecked in a furious storm, but all survived and found refuge on the island of Malta. On his first day on the island, Paul was bitten by a deadly viper, but God did not let the venom harm him. Eventually Paul made it to Rome, where under house arrest for at least two years, he shared Christ with all who would listen. Tradition says Paul was beheaded in the year 68 AD while Nero ruled as Emperor of Rome.
“Don’t worry about hardship – embrace it as a good soldier. We are in this world, but we are not of it. Remember, we are living for God’s kingdom! The One we serve is no ordinary ruler… He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! All we endure on this earth will be worth it when we finally see His face and live with Him forever. Run the good race; fight the good fight; don’t get distracted; be strong in God’s grace.”
“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time – God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in inapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” I Timothy 6:9-16