“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he plays according to the rules.” - 2 Tim. 2:4-5 (ESV)
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” - 2 Tim. 2:22 (ESV)
Connection
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? This question may sound cliche, however many of us have a hard time identifying exactly who we are. And it is so easy for this to happen: one day it seems we know exactly what our focus is, and what our role is. Then easily, we face an unexpected challenge or life changing event, which in turn changes our whole focus effects our role.
Discussion
Are you currently facing, or have you ever faced a season in your life where everything seemed to be working out okay, but then a situation happened and brought instability? How did this make you feel? What was your reaction? Was it effective?
During trials in your life, would it be better for you to take a “shortcut” to resolve the issue, even if that means disregarding everything you have learned? Why?
Can we establish a fixed goal, that never fluctuates or changes, despite what circumstance you face? Name one and write it down, along with your own personal goal in Christ for this current time.
Conclusion
The truth is that no one is exempt from facing challenges, even believers in Christ. However, we are not battling alone! Did you know that Christ sees us as one big family? As champions? As a powerful army?
Paul, who wrote this letter to Timothy and who used to be a persecutor of Christians, changed his whole identity when his focus changed. Do you imagine going from killing Christians to actually becoming one? Despite him being thrown into jail for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, he established a fixed goal to honor God instead of curse Him, and to surrender His whole life, even if that meant being placed in jail and dying for Jesus.
Is a champion still a champion if he cheats? Are believers of Jesus still righteous if they don’t live it out? Let’s make it our aim to please God in all things, regardless of our circumstance, knowing that we serve and live for the King of Kings and Lord over everything. Outside circumstances will want to make you change your focus in order to gain some sort of success. It is difficult to keep up with the changes of the world. However, God makes it simple for us in the sense that He never changes, and in his hands, you will never lose.