Maintaining the Focus (3 of 5)

As Paul wrote his second letter to encourage Timothy in his work, he presented three illustrations relating to maintaining a proper focus. Lord willing, over the next three days, we will note them one at a time.

The first illustration Paul presented was that of a soldier.
“No SOLDIER gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since HIS AIM IS TO PLEASE THE ONE WHO ENLISTED HIM.” ( 2 Timothy 2:4 ESV)

The Roman soldier was not allowed to have any other profession. Nothing was to interfere with his disciplined role as a soldier of the empire. He was to be always ready to follow orders and carry out whatever mission was given. To be guilty of any dereliction of duty was a very serious offence.

There is a real sense in which we are in the midst of a spiritual warfare. For that reason God has provided us with the spiritual armor we need to press on in the battle. ( Ephesians 6:10-18) Some of the battles in this warfare are engaged against us from without, while others may rage within. Becoming overly entangled with the affairs of the world or too focused on our own wants can cause us to become off guard against attacks on our faith and godly focus.

We must always keep in mind Whose service we are in. It is impossible to serve two masters. We have been “enlisted” to serve Christ. Jesus must continue to be held as the Lord of our whole life. We are soldiers of Christ serving under His command. Writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted for them to “…try to discern what is PLEASING TO THE LORD.” ( Ephesians 5:10 ESV) It is not self or society, but rather OUR LORD Whom we are to CONTINUALLY SEEK TO PLEASE.

As a commissioned soldier would always be on duty, so it is to be with us. It is a grave thing to be found asleep while on guard. We must remain watchful. Our own soul, as well as the souls of others, depends upon our diligence.

May we never forget we are under our Lord’s command. Our focus must remain centered on undivided devotion to His service. Let us be daily seeking to PLEASE HIM in all we do and say.

Have a great day WILLINGLY FOLLOWING HIS DIVINE ORDERS FOR LIFE!
Carl

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