Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy 2:7, NIV 1984).
My Musings – And what was it that Paul was saying? “No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” (2 Timothy 2:4–6, NIV 1984).
The Soldier – Do not get so “involved,” so entangled in worldly affairs that we displease our Heavenly Father. Our first duty is to Him. We serve first and foremost in His Kingdom. We must not let “civilian affairs” derail us from that duty.
The Athlete – The “rules” by which we compete, how we live our lives, are Kingdom principles. Worldly values distract us from our prize and displeases our Heavenly Father.
The Farmer – The “share of the crops” that we as a “hardworking farmer” are working for are treasures in Heaven. The Spiritual fruit of the farmer. The “victor’s crown” of the athlete. The good pleasure of the soldier’s “commanding officer.“
My Advice – Who are we pleasing? How are we competing? What are we working for?
“And now, O [Christian], what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God [commanding officer] with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees [according to the rules] that I am giving you today for your own good [share of the crops]?” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 