A Good Athlete

oldest grandboy

"Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5)

All seven of our grandkids are good athletes (even the eleven-month-old), and watching the grandboys play soccer was a highlight of the Indiana trip.

In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul encourages his spiritual son to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and to teach others the way of the Lord. He warns that hardships will come but charges Timothy to endure as a good soldier, to keep the rules as a good athlete, and to work hard as a farmer. He assures the young pastor that the Lord Himself will give him insight and understanding.

Paul goes on to say that he endures all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

Today, beloved, let us endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ, keep His rules, and work hard that others may obtain salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.