“Soldier, Athlete, Farmer”

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.” (2 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV)
 
Three illustrations given to Timothy to describe his work as an evangelist are three pictures that describe all Christians to some degree.  They are: soldier, athlete and farmer.  
 
The Christian is a soldier enlisted in God’s army.  His enlistment is not for a short term of three or four years, but for life!  His duty is to avoid being absorbed in the temporary affairs of this world, and to focus upon pleasing Jesus Christ, his Commander in Chief.  Satan is the enemy (Ephesians 6: 12), God is our ally (Ephesians 6:10), and the battle is real.  The Christian must be willing to suffer the hardships necessary to win.  
 
The Christian is called upon to strive for the masteries, which means to contend in the games.  Like any dedicated athlete, he wants to win and will do everything possible to succeed.  
(I Corinthians 9:24-27) To finish strong, he must first train and exercise.  Unfortunately, the only exercise some Christians engage in is jumping to conclusions, running down friends, and side-stepping responsibility.  Next, he must strive lawfully, forgetting the gimmicks of man.  God gave us sixty-six books, and each one of them is important!  So, the Christian must know the rules and he must run the race! 
 
Finally, the Christian is a farmer. Before the husbandman can enjoy the fruit of his labor, he must engage in hard work.  Facing uncertain conditions, and unwilling soil, he tills, plants, and waters.  If he works diligently, he will have joy in this world, and chiefly in the world to come.  
 
Soldier, athlete, and farmer - these three should describe your life to some degree.  
 
By: George Slover

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