Spiritual leaders and military leaders have a lot in common. This passage covers some of Paul’s best advice to the young man, Timothy, he mentored in the ministry. A leader must be strong, not solely of himself. One must work to make oneself fit, yet rely on the authority and power of those above.
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. 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. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:1-7, NKJV).
Leaders Share
A good leader does not keep to himself the things he has learned. It would have been tragic had Timothy done that. So Paul instructed him to reproduce himself by passing along what he had learned to others who would faithfully do the same.
A soldier will, de facto, endure hardship throughout his career. The same is true for the Christian soldier who is faithful to the Lord. Because of the importance of the battle, he must focus on strategic priorities and not get wrapped up in things that draw his attention away from being all he can be when defeat and victory are on the line. Those in other occupations, like athletes and farmers, must also abide by this law of hard work.
He who keeps his eye on the objective and works hard to obtain it, with his Commander’s help and guidance, wins the victory.
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
