“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing 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 2:3-7}
Will you be a good solider, runner or farmer? The soldier doesn't get entangled in the worlds cares, rather he seeks only His masters business. He tries instead to please the Lord with all His heart.
A runner has a goal, and it's only to please God. When he runs his race, he follows all the rules. He is careful with his life to please the Lord in every area, from his thought and heart attitudes and motives, to what he speaks. He has a goal — to finish everything God gave Him to do here, and to have more and more of the Love of God.
The farmer plants seeds and waters his crops. His goal is to have a good strong garden. Everything he does is for the his plants in order that they may grow. He desires for Gods word, and to know more of God. He reads the Lords word, digging into it and planting in his own life and others see his burden. He will receive the first share of the crop if he is diligent in taking time with Jesus alone because he wants Jesus so much and nothing else matters except to knowing HIM and being found in HIM when He comes!
Lord, you alone can help us. We need your strength your power, to overcome.
Will you join in these sufferings, laying down our own desires and doing the will of our Father instead, striving to please Him no matter what may others sufferings will come our way?
