David Hathaway

'Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules' (2 Timothy 2:1-5). The Apostle Paul was cautioning Timothy that he would face suffering, but that he would be able to endure through the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul used the comparison with soldiers and athletes, who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals. Like soldiers, we must give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. And like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules of the competition. Our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying Jesus and winning the lost for Him.