Perseverance 04: Toughing it Out
Orientate
Growing up, I was small for my age. That was an advantage when I played rugby league in primary school because we were classified in weight divisions, so in year 6, I was playing against mostly big year 3 students. Things changed in high school when I played rugby union and we went to age divisions. I was playing against some very big boys. I got smashed when I tried to run, but I was a very good low tackler. So the coach would line me up against the biggest guy in the opposition backline and tell me to keep taking his legs out. It was dangerous work and didn’t always turn out well for me. But I knew my role in the team and each game I put my body on the line. If I was worried about the cost or risk, I wouldn’t have played football, I’d have chosen tennis. In today’s verses, Paul tells Timothy to be ready to work hard and tough it out like a good footballer. Well Paul doesn’t talk about football, but he uses similar illustrations.
Explore: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Journal
1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?
2. What so I want to discuss/explore further?
3. What do I need to do?
4. Which picture is of most help for you?
Reflect
I know that Christians are sometimes depicted as weak people who need to rely on a “god” because they can’t make it on their own. But the fact is, following Jesus is a huge challenge and comes at significant cost. Jesus described it as “taking up your cross” and we all know that’s going to be painful and demanding. Don’t get me wrong. As we have seen in these studies, there are lots of wonderful benefits in being a Christian. But an easy, carefree life is not one of them. No wonder Paul tells Timothy to “be strong” (1) or “toughen up.”
Following Jesus is like being a soldier (3-4). You just can’t do what you want. There is a war to be won and orders to obey. You don’t want to be distracted by nice stuff. You have to focus on your job and that means significant sacrifice at times. It’s not that we can’t enjoy ourselves, but having a good time is not our purpose for existence. We serve a higher and more significant cause. We’re good soldiers.
Following Jesus is like being an athlete (5). There’s a gold medal to be won, but you won’t get it by cutting corners or taking it easy. Some athletes try to cheat the system and win without the hard work. They lose everyone’s respect. Followers of Jesus are not like that. We recognise that God (as Lord) lays out what he wants us to do and we follow with all that we’ve got. We’re winning athletes.
Following Jesus is like being a farmer (6). Living in the country for a few years, I learned how hard many farmers work. They keep ploughing and planting and fertilising and irrigating and weeding. They don’t give up. If the harvest doesn’t come that year, they start again. They know that in the end their hard work will pay off. It’s the same for followers of Jesus. While we don’t always see immediate fruit, we work hard and continue to serve, knowing that the crop is coming. We’re hardworking farmers.
As these pictures show, a lot of the time following Jesus means gritting your teeth, making the sacrifices and choosing to serve Jesus and others though it costs. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s not directly from the Bible but it’s what Paul is saying here.
Pray
I need a strong challenge every now and then Lord. Thanks for today. I don’t want to be a slack follower. I want to make a difference for you. I want to go the distance. I want to give it my best shot. I’m committed to being a good soldier, a winning athlete and a hardworking farmer. Please help me.
Respond
Pick one of these images and use it as a picture of following Jesus as you serve him today.
