Satan’s hole in his camo

2 Timothy 2:3-4   You therefore must endure[ hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

This is a day we remember those who were and are serving our country in our military. They are those who dedicated their lives to obtaining the goal set before them at all costs. No veteran should be so weak as to not lay down their life for their cause. It is instilled in them in training for their focused purposes that may lay ahead. They are to be honored for their service in the face of all types of dangers to protect what so many take for granted in the freedom we so cherish. They serve with a honor and dignity under their commander for the nation they are sworn to protect. It mostly comes with a cost; pain and sometimes death; but that is what they understood upon offering themselves up as a soldier for our country.

The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy to encourage him in what he knows he will face in the difficulties of being a disciple of Christ’s; even as a soldier for Christ. He is encouraging him to remain focused as soldier to please his commander; to accomplish the goal through any hardships he may endure; to press on. When you begin to step forward in your walk with Christ; that is when it may get difficult. Distractions come in all sorts; but they will come to take your eyes off the mission at hand; to spread Christ’s gospel to those in your circle of influence. The affairs of this life may seem to be blessings, anxieties, timetables, sickness, pain, the list goes on. All of them to take your eyes off Christ; all of them from the enemy as John 10:10 says; 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

I live a life of being pulled in all directions. A husband, father, business owner, sole provider, student. I struggle just like all of you in time management with all these titles and more. I am indebted to lenders, indebted to my family, but ultimately indebted to Christ. Being a soldier for Christ does not mean you remove yourself from the world; it means you show Christ to your world. It means that in everything you do, in all that you face, you take that opportunity to share your faith. God gives you opportunities to witness where Satan seeks to bring distractions and strife. When you begin to see and understand all that you face has passed through God’s hands; it becomes easier to remain focused on sharing your faith with those around you. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. A good soldier for Christ can see Satan’s camouflaged distractions and press on to the goal that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.