Weekly devotional: Faithful in the task (10 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

Valentin de Boulogne – Blaffer Foundation Collection, Houston, TX

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this (2 Timothy 2:1–7).

Paul fills his letters with vivid images that stick in the mind and imagination. As he passes along to Timothy his final words of wisdom, and his longings for the fulfillment of the gospel, he uses examples from ancient times that Timothy would have been familiar with – a soldier, athlete, and farmer. Those working tirelessly for the gospel may not appear to reap the same concrete results as those yielding crops or winning races, but Paul trusts that Timothy will understand his examples as the Lord gives him insight.

The three examples have in common their hard work and faithfulness to produce a result: soldiers follow in obedience; athletes submit their bodies to training; farmers cultivate and care for the land. Each of the three shows their commitment through their training, devotion, and consistency. So too, infers Paul, should the Christian commit to their life of godliness and right living.

Note too that neither a soldier, athlete, nor farmer knows in advance what the end result of their efforts will be, whether a battle or competition will be won or lost, or whether they will be harvesting a large or small crop. Their faithfulness and dedication to the task is what matters.

Prayer: Lord God, we may be at the beginning of our journey in life with you, at the end, or somewhere in the middle. Wherever we are on this road, we ask you to help us to be faithful, for your glory.