May 13

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 

—2 TIMOTHY 2:3

Timothy, having been mentored by Paul, was heading the church in Ephesus. About a thousand miles away, Paul was in a Roman prison in chains for Christ. He knew his death was imminent and his concerns had turned to Timothy. The years had shown Paul that Timothy was not a courageous man. At times, he was ashamed of the Gospel for the persecution it caused and was embarrassed to have his mentor imprisoned like a common criminal. He lacked confidence, was often ill and easily intimidated. How does Timothy acquire bold, courageous disciples for Christ when he, himself, is given to human frailty?

In his letter to Timothy, Paul tells him to endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He is saying, “Expect hardship, Timothy. Don’t think you’re exempt from it.” There are Christians who believe that if we are in the will of God everything will go well for us. It’s actually the reverse that is true. Paul tells Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). That’s not an “if”; that’s a guarantee and we are wise to expect it and be prepared for it.

History has shown that persecution brings change and advances the Gospel. It drives us to a deeper dependence on the indwelling life of Christ. That’s why Paul said to Timothy, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead” (2 Timothy 2:8). In other words, the life that indwells us is one that has already faced death and conquered it, so nothing frightens Him; therefore, nothing need frighten us.

Paul always wrote his letters on the front lines of conflict, which is greatly why they are invaluable to us. They are not just doctrines written by theologians, but by a man whose life was lived during the birth of Christianity and always on the battlefront for Christ. Paul’s life was characterized by persecution, and he set an example of always standing firm in Christ and enduring.

It is often when we are prepared to stand firm like a good soldier that we will be faced with persecution. We need to remain dependent upon the indwelling Spirit of Christ and not upon ourselves or outside influences. Of equal measure, our obedience is expressed externally in disciplined, courageous and deliberate pleasing of our commanding officer who is Jesus Christ. For every demand God makes of us, the Holy Spirit is the dynamic that meets that demand.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I cannot say how I will react when faced with persecution, especially of a critical nature. I ask that you prepare me for it. Grant me your strength. Keep me standing firm and always dependent upon You. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: What does being a good soldier for Christ mean to me?