From the
time I was old enough to be asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had
always responded with, “I’m going to be a Marine.” I’m not sure why I wanted to
be one. I certainly did not know the realities of soldier life. The first day
at USMC Recruit Training Center Parris Island opened my eyes. Perhaps I chose
from dreamland’s choices too quickly.
In our
text, young Timothy is a recruit in the army of Christ. Paul, the seasoned
soldier, challenges him to endure. This may be the most difficult attribute of
a soldier. It has to be taught to the soldier. Endurance is that attitude of
determination that achieves and doesn’t quit even if the situation becomes
tough. He/she doesn’t give up because the circumstances are painful. He/she
doesn’t retreat because the conditions are harsh. He/she doesn’t surrender
because the enemy holds the objective and the advantage. The soldier is trained
to endure until the objective is successfully achieved.
Soldiers
are not recruited for peace time. Soldiers are recruited and trained for war.
Hardship is the daily existence of soldiers in the field. The ground for a bed.
Unsavory food eaten cold or cooked over a fire by an inexperienced cook. Day
patrols, night patrols. Surprise enemy attacks at all hours. Guard duty
throughout the night. Long marches across unfamiliar terrain, regardless of the
weather. Rain, cold, hot, mosquitoes, knats, sand-fleas, flies, sunburn,
fatigue, sore feet and legs, dysentery, along with a few other unsavory
elements all grate on the human psyche and nerves become brittle. These all
must be dealt with while carrying a forty-pound pack of essential personal gear
and supply of food. In addition, a soldier also carries a rifle and other
weaponry. Hardship is the best description for a soldier’s life. Even the best
are tempted at times to quit.
I wonder
if Timothy had complained to Paul about the difficulties of the ministry.
Perhaps Paul simply thought Timothy needed to be reminded of why, for what, and
for whom he served. "Endure!" Not the counsel a young pastor wants to
hear, but anything less might have prompted Timothy to quit.
Dear
Father, thank you for your grace to endure. Enable us to look past the
hardships here and remember why, for what, and for whom we serve. This I pray
in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong
and courageous today as you endure for Christ,
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