Don’t Run. Fight! 

If anyone is able to confidently tell us to fight the good fight, it’s Paul. He gave his life to the gospel and suffered greatly because of it. Yet, he says that he doesn't regret a single moment. In his last written words here in 2 Timothy chapter 4, we see his heart of display. This is the heart of a spiritual father talking to his beloved son and his charge can be boiled down into 3 words: Don’t Run. Fight! When life gets hard, most of us run away. When we are faced with our own inadequacy, we run from that feeling. When we are faced with a huge task that will require a lot of energy and time, we find an excuse not to do it. But Paul urges Timothy not to run. 

Even in the last months of his life, Paul suffered a great deal of pain and abandonment. He is writing these words from a prison cell in Rome and it seems like everyone has turned their back on him, even people he thought he could trust. He is explaining to Timothy that the fight is hard. It is difficult work to surrender your entire life as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, Paul encourages Timothy that every second of it is worth it! Looking back on his life of purpose and persecution, wins and losses, Paul is able to confidently say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

The fight is hard. Anyone who wants to seriously follow Jesus and be used by Him to change the world will suffer persecution. But the fight is worth it. Every. Single. Time. The choice is yours. Will you walk away from the fight and choose a comfortable life of leisure? Or will you get in the fight and be a force for the kingdom of God? Count the cost. It’s a long and difficult journey. But if you choose to accept Jesus’ invitation to take up your cross and follow Him, you will be left with a life well lived. You will also be able to join in with Paul in saying: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Don’t run . . . Fight!