Good morning!

Grace and peace!

"Endure suffering with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No soldier gets involved in the business of civilian life, as he wants to please the one who enlisted him.

Similarly, no athlete is crowned winner if he does not compete according to the rules.

The hard-working farmer must be the first to share in the fruits of the harvest.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

(2 Timothy 2:3-7)

Paul writes his second letter to his young disciple Timothy and through 3 parables describes what is necessary to follow Christ:

1. Being a good soldier requires discipline: training and preparation for the art of war and wearing armor that helps you resist the enemy's harsh attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18); It requires service: being able to give one's life to defend a common cause, and it demands obedience: carrying out without hesitation the plan drawn up by one's commander. Finally, a good soldier does not lose focus on his mission (does not get involved in the business of life), but marches with enthusiasm and courage to victory.

2. Being an athlete: anyone who knows more than an athlete about perseverance and endurance, even in the most difficult part of the race and with tired muscles, would rather reach the finish line than succumb to the need for a temporary rest.

3. Being a farmer: a farmer loves the fruits of his work and therefore takes care of each of his crops with care and dedication, fertilizing them, keeping them hydrated and pruning them when necessary.

Likewise in the Christian life, our walk with Christ involves a lot of courage, perseverance, spiritual disciplines (prayer, reading the word, fasting) not only to maintain our personal relationship with God, but to maintain our relationship with others. Our ministry in which we serve God will depend on our spiritual strength and our determination to obey the word of God.

Let us pray:

Father of glory, help me to be a good soldier in your army, to remain firm and without wavering in the mission that You will teach me. I want to fight like an athlete in this race of life and like a good sower to see abundant fruit for the glory of his name. Amen.

God bless you in Jesus name.