Christian Foundations 6 - PerseveranceSýnishorn

TOUGHING IT OUT

Growing up, I was small for my age. That was an advantage when I played rugby in primary school because we were classified in weight divisions, so in year 6, I was playing against mostly big year 3 students. Things altered in high school when we changed to age divisions. I was playing against some very big boys. I got smashed when I tried to run, but I was a very good tackler. So the coach would line me up against the biggest guy in the opposition backline and tell me to keep taking his legs out. It was dangerous work and didn’t always turn out well for me. But I knew my role in the team and each game I put my body on the line. If I had been worried about the cost or risk, I would not have played football, I’d have chosen tennis. In today’s verses, Paul tells Timothy to be ready to work hard and to tough it out like a good footballer. Well, Paul doesn’t talk about football, but he uses similar illustrations.

Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Journal

1.   What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2.   What do I want to discuss/explore further?

3.   What do I need to do?

4.   Which picture is of most help for you?

Reflect

I know that Christians are sometimes depicted as weak people who need to rely on a “god” because they can’t make it on their own. But the fact is, following Jesus is a huge challenge and comes at a significant cost. Jesus described it as “taking up your cross” and we all know that’s going to be painful and demanding. Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of wonderful benefits to being a Christian. But an easy, carefree life is not one of them. No wonder Paul tells Timothy to “be strong” (1) or “toughen up.”

Following Jesus is like being a soldier (3-4). You just can’t do what you want. There is a war to be won and orders to obey. You don’t want to be distracted by nice stuff. You have to focus on your job and that means significant sacrifice at times. It’s not that we can’t enjoy ourselves, but having a good time is not our purpose for existence. We serve a higher and more significant cause. We’re good soldiers.

Following Jesus is like being an athlete (5). There’s a gold medal to be won, but you won’t get it by cutting corners or taking it easy. Some athletes try to cheat the system and win without hard work. They lose everyone’s respect. Followers of Jesus are not like that. We recognise that God (as Lord) lays out what he wants us to do and we follow with all that we’ve got. We’re winning athletes.

Following Jesus is like being a farmer (6). Living in the country for a few years, I learned how hard many farmers work. They keep ploughing and planting and fertilising and irrigating and weeding. They don’t give up. If the harvest does not come that year, they start again the next. They know that in the end, their hard work will pay off. It’s the same for followers of Jesus. While we don’t always see immediate fruit, we work hard and continue to serve, knowing that the crop is coming. We’re hardworking farmers.

As these pictures show, a lot of the time following Jesus means gritting your teeth, making the sacrifices, and choosing to serve Jesus and others though it costs. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s not directly from the Bible but it’s what Paul is saying here.

Pray

I need a strong challenge from you every now and then, Lord. Thanks for today. I don’t want to be a slack follower. I want to make a difference for you. I want to go the distance. I want to give it my best shot. I am committed to being an effective soldier, a winning athlete, and a hardworking farmer. Please help me.

Respond

Pick one of these images and use it as a picture of following Jesus as you serve him today.