“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”- 2 Timothy 2-4-7
Paul writing to his “son in the faith” says consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding. Good advice for Timothy, and for us.
Consider first the three types of individuals Paul references. First would be the soldier. Soldiers live simple, unencumbered lifestyles. They pack light and move swiftly. They don’t own land, businesses, or anything that would tie them down. They don’t marry or integrate into the foreign lands which they are sent to. Their job is to wage war, and anything that hinders such is jettisoned. They are brave, focused, diligent, and organized. Why? So that they may “please Him.” Next is the athlete. Likely, the Olympic athlete. One who “strives for mastery.” He is not “crowned” except he strive “lawfully.” The Olympians in that day had to swear an oath that they would abide by the rules of the games. They each would compete, however only one would be crowned the winner. There was no second or third place. The athlete was like the soldier in that he or she must be diligent, focused, and unencumbered. They would need to be dedicated, determined, and willing to sacrifice if there was to be any hope of victory. It is said that Michael Phelps, the winningest Olympic athlete would train six hours a day for six days a week: every week! Years of training for a thirty second race; while we are here for years, which will determine an endless eternity. How many hours a week do we spend in prayer? In reading? They strive, but lawfully. There are no short-cuts to winning the crown, and the rule book is plain. The crown would not be worth winning if it was otherwise. Finally, the husbandman, the farmer, the servant of the land. This individual would be expected to work the land, cultivate the ground, and tend the crop. He is married to it. An attentive, hardworking, focused, diligent, and invested individual. He is the first partaker of the fruits. Before he can labor in the vineyard or work in the field, he must first eat what he is working to produce. He must have knowledge and understanding of what he is growing. The grape farmer will have intricate knowledge of grapes, but don’t put him in a cotton field. The skills wouldn’t translate well. Too many of these preachers today are trying to be husbandman without first being “partakers of the fruit.” Fine motivational speakers they make, but poor preachers. The skills don’t translate well. Many a church “member” is willing to offer opinions about the church, but never willing to set foot inside it. Let us take care, to partake of the gospel we proclaim. Partake, and partake often.
The soldier, athlete, farmer; consider and God give understanding. Let us allow the Spirit to identify the character traits of these and apply it to our lives. Are we resolved to wage war against the devil? Will we cast off that which hinders us? Are we striving for masteries like the athlete? Focused on that one endeavor of winning that eternal crown? Do we labor for the harvest like the farmer? Tethered to the fruit, dependent, invested, and actively partaking? Working day and night, earnestly desiring to see fruit. Desiring to see souls born and growing in God’s kingdom. Consider the instruction of scripture.
