A pattern of Christian living

READ: Jeremiah 50,51; Psalms 120; 2 Timothy 2

SCRIPTURE:  2 Timothy 2: 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

OBSERVATION: “A picture is worth a thousand words” is a popular saying that means we can easily tell more and explain difficult things through an image. In 2 Timothy 2:4-6, Paul portrays about three different professionals and advises to emulate their example. First, he presents a word picture of a soldier. A soldier’s topmost priority would be obeying the commands of his officer at any cost. In those days, Roman soldiers were not allowed to work in any civil services. They should not be distracted by any worldly affairs and be focused on their duty. It does not mean that a soldier should not do any other activity other than his work. Instead, he should not entangle in other things that affect his work. An athlete would also discipline his life with rigid practices and physical exercises to prepare himself/herself to participate and win competitions. Months/years before the actual competition, athletes devote themselves to equipping them and following their coach’s instruction. They learn the rules of the game and follow them strictly with the aim of receiving the reward. Self-discipline, willingness to sacrifice, self-denial, continual training, keeping the body fit, and commitment to the cause they are involved in are some of the marks of a soldier and an athlete. In the same way, like a soldier and an athlete, we should follow Christ wholeheartedly. Following Christ is not a part-time job. Our Christian life is a full-time service committed to Christ. We Christians should be careful about “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” that would make us unfruitful (Mt.13:22).

Farmers are unsung heroes of our country. Without their hard work, none of us would get our food. Hardworking farmers work tirelessly in their fields throughout the day, from plowing to harvesting. Their mind and thoughts will constantly be on the crops. A farmer’s work never ends. Although he works hard, he patiently “wait for the land to yield its valuable crop” (James 5:7). His hard work depends on God to get the desired harvest. Here,  Paul uses present tense verbs to describe the works of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. It signifies that their work is something that should be done continuously. There is no guarantee for the reward or harvest for their work for a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer in the world we live in. More than the work of a soldier, athlete, or farmer, we Christians are to serve Jesus Christ faithfully. God works in and through us continually. The Bible affirms that we all will receive our due everlasting reward from God (1 Cor.9:25). Jesus Christ already taught us how to follow him and live for him—we must deny ourselves and take up the cross daily and follow him (Mt.16:24; Lk. 9:23; Mk.8:34). Let us reflect on these words, for the Lord will give us insight into all this (v.7).

APPLICATION: As a Christian, I must live a life that pleases the Lord Jesus Christ. I should not entangle myself in things opposite to the calling I received,  the Gospel of Christ, and the Lord. I must live a Christ-centred and Christ-controlled Christian life. I should be willing to obey the Lord Jesus and his words. I will faithfully serve him all of my days. God gave his very best for me. So I will give my very best for him.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the pattern of Christian living you show today. Lord, It is for you, not for any worldly gains; I want to be a committed and devoted Christian who serves you faithfully.  Lord, train me, teach me, and lead me. Holy Spirit, give me your strength today to live a life that pleases God. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

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