The Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer – I’ve got some questions.

The Christian life is easy, right? ‘No!’ you will shout and rightly so.

When we choose to follow Christ, we enter a battle between light and darkness, truth and deception, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. In these following words to Timothy there is an invitation to join Paul in his suffering and his hardship. It reminds us that difficulty isn’t a sign we’re doing something wrong but it’s often evidence we’re doing something right.

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (2 Timothy 2 v3-7)

Paul’s three metaphors work together to paint a comprehensive picture of Christian discipleship. We need the soldier’s single-minded devotion, the athlete’s disciplined pursuit of excellence, and the farmer’s patient labour.

Are you a soldier? Have you held on to your primary calling as a Christian? Are you still trying to please your commanding officer, Christ Jesus? Or is the approval of others become a distraction to you?

Are you an athlete? Do you see yourself still in training? Are you making the necessary sacrifices that others simply won’t make to push yourself outside of the comfort zone? Are you keeping to the spiritual disciplines every day or do some slip too easily? Are we pursuing God’s purposes through God’s methods?

Are you a farmer? Are you still working hard? When life is more about behind the scenes with no one watching you, are you still consistently being diligent? Do you know that your reward may come later, even into the next life? Do you understand the seasons of life?

Paul is challenging Timothy and all disciples to be diligent with undivided loyalty to Christ and to avoid entanglements that distract from that. He is highlighting the need to pursue for excellence and finally he is teaching patient labour and to understand the importance of seasons.