“No
one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he
may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”—2 Timothy 2:4
In
our scripture reading for today, the Greek word for
"entangle" is used only here and in 2 Peter 2:20, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through
the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in
them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them that the beginning” . It
means to be so wrapped up in something that movement is hindered. This is the term the Greeks would have used to
describe a rabbit ensnared in a thorn patch.
Peter's letter admonished followers not to return to past
sins, but Paul, writing to Timothy, had a different lesson in mind. He warned Timothy against allowing essential daily pursuits to supersede a
commitment to Christ. For example, taking up a vocation is a
necessary task. Even Paul had a day job
as a tent maker, which allowed him to support his ministry, but he always kept
his focus on the prize—souls and
establishing the body of Christ in the foundational truths of Christ. However, an occupation and the money it
produces can become all-consuming to the detriment of a person's spiritual life,
and something that we must guard against.
God wants us to provide for our family, to grow spiritually, manage
wealth, and take advantage of leisure time. However, these blessings are not to
become distractions that draw believers away from church or regular prayer and
Bible study. Nor are we to
compartmentalize our life into "Christian ministry" and "regular
work/play." We are Christ's
soldiers, no matter where we are or what we are doing. There is no such thing as a part-time warrior!
It's important for believers not to draw artificial
boundary lines between what they define as "secular" and what is
"sacred." Everything God
gives—from vocation and wealth to leisure time activities—is to be used for His
glory. By keeping priorities straight
and activities in balance, you can prevent hobbies, interests, and even your
family responsibilities from becoming a snare and keep your focus single-minded.
Prayer—Father I thank
You for delivering me from the snares that would entangle me and keep me from
serving You with singleness of mind and focus.
Lord I ask You to help me keep my focus on You, in Jesus Name. Amen.
