Through the Bible: 2 Timothyनमूना

The Good Soldier, the Athlete, and the Farmer

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

2 Timothy 2:3-6 (NKJV)

What is true strength? A bodybuilder? Superman? Thor?! Paul instructs Timothy to have strength but in a different way using three analogies.

Good soldier: no good soldier gives up because of hardship. No good soldier entangles themselves in civilian life. All good soldiers aim to obey their commanding officer. Therefore, we are not to be distracted by worldly things, but to take delight in obeying Christ, the commander of the Lord’s Army.

Athlete: an athlete must compete according to the rules and cannot make them up. Running with God can feel so tiring that we may be tempted to take shortcuts e.g. continue living in sin and justify by saying God will forgive all sins. However, we are to run the race according to God’s Word. No shortcuts.

Farmer: a farmer works hard to reap the harvest, but must first partake their share of the crops. Likewise, we first eat spiritual food, then give to others. We are to work hard and patiently for the harvest of God’s Kingdom.

The good soldier, athlete, and farmer embody true strength that finishes well.

Prayer

Father God, help us to be a good soldier who fights until victory; an athlete who runs to finish the race according to Your Word; and the farmer who never stops working until the harvest is complete. In Jesus' name, Amen!