In warfare no one wins. Oh yes, someone may gain great amounts of territory or negotiating power, but the human cost is high. Becoming a soldier is a noble profession as long as your work is delivered for the right reasons and with the right methods. In years past I have read of many heroic men and women that have risked or lost their lives in the course of their duties. Paul encourages Timothy to be a good soldier.
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.
There is certainly sacrifice involved. As you dedicate your life to sharing and teaching the gospel you will find hardship. That is promised, and we need to be ready for this. Not only does Paul use the imagery of a soldier, but also of an athlete and a farmer. All requires hard work and diligence. No time for trivial matters. We need to be focused on the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
My doing the above, then only can you succeed in doing what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2: And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
The multiplication process that happens with this is incredible. Let's be relentless in living and sharing of the gospel and be done away with other things that distract us from this core message that Jesus came to us through a virgin birth, walked among us, demonstrated His goodness, died on the cross and was resurrected for the salvation of mankind so that he can be reconciled to God ordained from the beginning of time.
Father, help me to be single minded in pursuing your plans for my life.
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