Don't deflect from your focus

"3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labour. 7Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things."     2 Timothy 2:3-7   NLT

Paul encourages Timothy to exercise endurance; something we all need to practice. He mentions three important factors:

(1)  If you're a soldier of Christ, act accordingly. Unless ordered to do so, soldiers do not get tied up in civilian affairs. They keep their focus on what they committed to.

(2)  Unless athletes adhere to the rules, they will be disqualified. In addition, if the athlete does not commit to regular, daily training, they will be unlikely to be fit enough to compete.

(3)  Busy farmers should have the right to the choicest of their produce.

Timothy needed to take this on board because Paul was getting towards the end of his ministry and he needed to pass the baton to spiritual leaders. It was something that Timothy had to master if he was to be ready for his own ministry. And, we need to be the same. We may not all be leaders of a church but you can be a leader of the people around you, whether at home, your neighbourhood or workplace. These people may have never been to church except for weddings and funerals. They may have been forced to attend Sunday School when they were younger and this, may have given them bad memories. Nobody wants to do things when they are forced to do them Therefore, there is a lot to consider as you prepare your spiritual ground.

First of all is not to be labelled as a 'Holy Joe' (Anyone who is named this, please forgive the insult). We need to avoid having such a label. There is nothing better than living life as Jesus would have you to and every now and then you may have the opportunity to speak to someone who asks about your background or faith. Hosting BBQ's in the summer inviting people round for a meal can be a great starter, and as time goes on it may be possible to create a bible study or Alpha Course and  invite some people. 

There are many ways to attract people's attention to Jesus and as the Holy Spirit is the greatest evangelist that can be found, consulting Him can be very helpful. Just be yourself with your potential spiritual 'church', avoid too much 'holy talk or cliches' and just show them Jesus and before too long you may have a thriving group of Christian people.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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