You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (II Timothy 2)
The Truth. Sometimes it seems so obvious to us and we wonder why people are not able to see it right in front of them. Paul calls on us to do everything possible to "pass it on." First, we need to see it as a sacred trust, which He has allowed us to have the privilege of possessing and sharing with others. Then, we need to figure out the best way we can pass it on - both by demonstrating it, and by putting it into words. He gives three examples, hoping at least one "hits home" - the solider, the athlete, and the farmer. Each one keeps the goal in mind, be it a hill to conquer, a race to win, or a crop to harvest. Each one also has a reward: a medal of honor, an Olympic wreath, or the fresh first share of the harvest. We too have a goal and a reward: to pursue God's pleasure first, and to see the fruit of the gospel in our lives, and the lives of others. Let's make sure we let the message get through us today - in our example and our expression of the gospel to others.
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