There are some things a soldier will not get involved in, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because he’s got a different set of priorities. The good soldier does not entangle himself in the affairs of everyday life. He makes the decision that he is going to do whatever is required of him, even to the point of laying down his life. “Hardship” in this context does not mean punishment or chastisement (although those who have gone through boot camp may disagree). So he has to learn to obey and do the things he is ordered to, when he doesn’t understand why – because someone above him does understand why. And there is not time to explain the reason for each order, nor is it wise since the soldier could be captured and force to reveal those plans. The common soldiers do not have the insight into the plans and information available to the generals, colonels, and captains. The soldier must learn to obey orders without question, putting aside his own desires. And it is hard! But its purpose is not to beat down the recruits, but to toughen them up physically and mentally, and to prepare them so they can perform even under the most adverse circumstances. So what type of suffering / hardship does a soldier have to go through? Strict DisciplineĪ soldier goes through a period of intense training called boot camp. Note that Paul doesn’t say we need to suffer for suffering’s sake, but as a soldier. Look at what a ragtag group of people the disciples were, and they turned into world changers.Ģ Timothy 2:3-5 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.Ĥ No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.ĥ And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Almost nobody is qualified for the purpose that God calls them when they first are called. There is a saying, “God doesn’t want ABILITY, just AVAILABILITY”. But some things in our spiritual growth, personality, and availability cause Him to pass over some and pick others. We want to look at some of the things that can optimize our usefulness.įirst, God is not partial. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.Ģ1 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.Įvery sincere Christian desires to be used of God.
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