2 Timothy 2:3-4 tells us, "Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." The Amplified Bible uses the phrase "first-class soldier" to describe this type of individual. Let's face facts. Life has challenging times that we all encounter. As a believer, it seems that tough times attack us on a more frequent schedule! Paul is telling Timothy to handle the tough times in the manner of a first-class soldier. Handle trials with excellence and expected victory. Even though the battle may be hazardous, a first-class soldier enters that conflict with the idea of winning. Some may say that a soldier must be willing to give his life for his country. While that is certainly true, allow me to share the words of a famous general spoken to his troops before a major encounter in World War II. "Men, it is an honorable thing to be willing to give your life for your country. I commend you for that. However, the way that we will win this war is to make the enemy give his life for his country!" In other words, do your job and we will emerge victorious.

Also, a good soldier will not complain or question the orders given by his commander. He won't try to "do it his way" when the manual plainly says, "This is how to get this job accomplished." I trust you see my point. Let's all conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to our commander, the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have a great week.

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