“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:1-3

Soldier…Athlete…Farmer. In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing to encourage Timothy to keep the faith as he ministered. Timothy was young and the challenges, temptations, and struggles facing the young church and young leader were incredible. How amazing is it that Paul, so many years ago, would choose to use a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer to teach and encourage Timothy.

Soldier: Remember Who it is we serve. Stay focused and do not let the ways of the world entangle us.

Athlete: Maintain an unquestioning obedience to the rules – the word of God – so that you not only run the race, but finish the race and give no reason to be disqualified.

Farmer: The one who labors to bring forth the crops has a prior right to participate in them. Labor and toil for Jesus does not go unnoticed and unrewarded. Be not discouraged. Continue to prepare, plant, and harvest for the glory of God.

Timeless truths. Timeless illustrations. Powerful for Timothy and so real for us today!

~ Mark Knapp – Beck’s Chaplain