Christ Soldier!
As I sat here this passage of Scripture came to memory and it states,
“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. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2 :4-5.
Here we see the Apostle Paul admonishing and exhorting his spiritual son Timothy and leading him into his apostolic succession encouraging him to REMAIN FOCUSED.
In the context of this particular verse the word “warreth” Greek meaning (strateuetai) specifically refers to the act of serving as a soldier, emphasizing the discipline, commitment, and single-minded focus required in such a role.
One sure way to be derailed from purpose is to become DISTRACTED.
Distractions will often times present themselves in the form of prideful ambitions and materialistic and vain pursuits, self will, busyness, toxic and unequally yoked relationships, giving into pleasures, excessive engagement in social media and entertainment, over emphasising on work/ career, overindulgence in secular philosophies and even emotionally many of us become distracted overthinking and harboring negative and intrusive thoughts.
In John 15 Jesus makes a very profound statement,
“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I HAVE CHOSEN YOU out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19.
We, as the “chosen,” “set apart,” must be cognizant of the reality there is an expectation of us not to conform to the rudiments of this world, its system, values, behaviors, lusts and dispositions and our allegiance to HIM who called us who is Jesus the Christ will naturally put us at odds with the secular world and dark spiritual forces which ultimately leads to opposition and Spiritual Warfare!
We must therefore now acquire the DISCIPLINE to remain balanced, and spiritually minded lest Satan gets an advantage.
May God help us!
Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas
Praise God! Amen and Amen! God bless you, beloved and beautiful sister in Jesus Christ! This is the truth and the Lord Jesus Christ is showing me personally, of how to remain grounded, abiding, rooted in him. I’ve discovered that sincere prayer, just communing with the Lord regularly, with the fruit of my lips of heart felt thanksgiving, of gratitude, seeking him for direction on everything, not making God a last resort.
There are many distractions, as the adversary uses the electronic devices of this world to capture the mind and heart, a world of entertainment is offered to allure those who may be stable in Christ, as I’ve experienced this in my very own life, but the Holy Spirit leads, guides, if we truly desire for Him to do so, praying in the Spirit, asking Him to lead and guide us in all things.
I humbly and kindly thank you, for sharing this encouraging reminder. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ continues to use you in a very special and mighty way, all for His Glory! I extend the peace and love to you dear sister Syreeta Thomas!❤️❤️❤️A beautiful post.