Clear Even in Present Danger

2 Timothy 2:3-5

(3)  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

(4)  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.

(5)  And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Believers…Soldiers, our marching orders are to go and make disciples of all nations. We are commissioned and commanded to lovingly charge hills and plant flags. We are given information to remain in formation. We see today in the toughness of our times there is a real threat of danger…physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and even relational. However, unlike many of the admonitions for the man of GOD to flee, here we are told to endure. We are to be entrenched aka planted and upright during hard times. In the midst of the volleys of fiery projectiles of the enemy, we are to hold our position for the Glory of GOD. Paul wrote this to his disciple Timothy from jail to not only give him best practices. Paul was giving him the rules of engagement. He is saying this is posture is to be assumed when taking on heavy resistance. Soldiers need to:

1)      Stay Focused/Alert/Aware – It is so easy to miss the main point during stressful situations. Good things can distract you from righteous things. Pledge allegiance to the [singular] flag, which is YHWH [JEHOVAH] NISSI – GOD our Banner. Be intentional about staying in step multiple times daily. That means pray, study and share the WORD as led appropriately and often.

2)      Aim to Be Pleasing to CHRIST – in tough times, it helps to know that JESUS is there with you. It is simultaneously comforting and a governor that keep you in line. The awareness of HIS presence can help tailor your responses to difficult situations real-time. Stay submitted. Prostrate is the position of the marksman.

3)      Operate in the Lawful Spirit of Excellence – do not cheapen Grace or your witness by taking lawless shortcuts.  We establish the law in HIS full armor with un-carnal weapons. Winning at all costs is too expensive a toll when you lose your soul in the process. Uncommon valor is rewarded with more than a medal. The reward is an incorruptible crown.

Let me know what you think. Let’s discuss…

I love YOU and I love you

Brother Jeremy A. Maynard